Not knowing what to expect is worse than expecting the worst

Like the old saying says, Hope for the best but plan for the worst. If you expect the worst then you start making a plan about what you can do if the worst happens. If you don't know what to expect, it will catch you completely off guard, knocking you down.  That is why giving someone an honest no does far less damage than telling them yes when you know you have no intentions of doing it. If you tell them no they will find another way to do it. If you tell them yes then they won't look for another way to do it, because they took you at your word that you would do it. If you know what to expect you know what you need to do. Being prepared for anything means you will be prepared for whatever comes your way.