"Suspicion is a heavy armor and with its weight it impedes more than it protects"

Suspicion arises from a desire to defend oneself against harm, betrayal, or disappointment, acting as an emotional armor against the unpredictability or malice of others. Comparing suspicion to "heavy armor" draws a vivid metaphor: armor is designed for protection, shielding the wearer from weapons; suspicion, likewise, aims to protect from the perceived dangers hidden in others' motives. However, just as armor is cumbersome and restricts movement, suspicion's psychological weight limits freedom and ease. Its defensive posture can leave one isolated, strained, and less able to act with openness or spontaneity.

The difficulty of carrying suspicion stems from its reluctance to trust, which can infiltrate and strain all types of relationships. When suspicion guides interactions, it casts doubt and skepticism over words and actions, leading to constant second-guessing and a barrier to genuine connection. Instead of fostering safety, it contributes to loneliness and anxiety, as one becomes more attuned to perceived threats than to opportunities for understanding or collaboration. Relationships, whether personal or professional, require a measure of vulnerability that suspicion inherently undermines.

Furthermore, suspicion has a self-perpetuating nature; the more it dominates one's perspective, the more evidence it finds to justify itself, creating a cycle that is difficult to break. Confidence in others erodes, and as a result, others may feel distrusted or pushed away, responding with their own defensiveness. The intended protection transforms into self-sabotage, as the armor deters not only harm but also warmth, kindness, and support.

Suspicion, then, protects less effectively than one might hope, especially when disproportionate or misplaced. Its greatest cost is subtle yet profound: it impedes growth, the formation of bonds, and the richness of experience that come from letting go of constant vigilance. Learning when to lower that armor is a challenge, but necessary for a fuller, less burdened life.