Stop Trusting the SystemThat Keeps Proving It Can’t Be Trusted

In a world where documentaries drop weekly just to confirm that yes, it was as bad as we thought, but actually worse, why are we still giving people, companies, and systems the benefit of the doubt?

We’ve seen behind the curtain. We’ve watched government agencies fumble crises, corporations lie outright, and “trusted professionals” turn out to be nothing more than titles with a PR team.

So why, in 2026 are we still trusting verbal promises?

Why do I still spend half my time reminding smart, capable people to get everything in writing after conversations that go like this:

“I had a phone conversation with them… they said it was fine…”

“I called to confirm… now they’re saying they have no record of it…”

That’s a problem. You’re trusting a system that has shown you over and over that it doesn’t deserve your trust. Not because everyone is out to get you. But because:

• Some people are malicious.

• Many people are forgetful.

• And too many people will cover their mistakes by throwing you under the bus

Stop playing fair in a rigged game and wasting energy on frustration because others aren’t fair.

Here’s how you protect yourself and your future:

• Send it certified. If you’re mailing something important, send it with tracking and proof. “We never received it” stops being a usable excuse.

• Make copies. Keep your own records. Digital and physical.

• Ask for what you sign. Always request a copy of anything you sign. That’s not annoying, it’s smart.

• Slow down. You’re allowed to read the document. Don’t let anyone rush you.

• Confirm the conversation. After that call? Send a follow-up email: “Just confirming our conversation today at 1:15 PM. We discussed X, and you agreed to Y.”

• Record the call (legally). They tell you their calls are being recorded, consider doing the same if it’s legal in your state. For your own records. For your own protection.

This isn’t paranoia. It’s preparation because people change jobs, they forget details, they misstate facts, and when that happens, the burden falls on you to prove what actually happened.

This goes for everyone:

• Your HR rep

• Your supervisor

• Their supervisor

• The new claims adjuster

• The new school principal

• That helpful state employee

You are not being difficult. You are documenting.

Stop expecting people to remember.

Stop assuming systems are working.

Stop assuming good intentions are enough.

Because when it comes down to your money, your benefits, your case, your job, your name…

IT WON’T BE ENOUGH.