Hoping for the worst?

Yesterday evening I had to give a reminder to our community. I didn't want to do it since what I was about to say meant a half-day inconvenience to all. Yes, I didn't want to say it. I dreaded the complaints that I would hear, and as I was going to our community room, I was almost intimidated by the string of possible comments that were playing in my mind.
What is it about human nature that it is easier for us to think of something negative? Is it in order to brace ourselves and lessen the impact of a "NO"? Or is it the cynic in us that has been disillusioned time and again that it just refuses to believe that a different outcome can take place?
But I had a big surprise. Nobody said anything in contradiction or to lodge a complaint.
I was humbled. Perhaps it is time to recover trust, that important attitude necessary for living.
Hoping for the best may not bring out the best in people, but it can bring out the best in me.