Every relationship requires mutual trust in order to work.
Building trust is key to forming a strong and meaningful connection. If you want to ensure that your relationships and friendships are healthy and long-lasting, you need to have trust. Not trusting your partner or your friends means not being able to rely on them or to believe the things they say. In addition to this, it means that you are reluctant to share your thoughts and opinions with them out of fear of being betrayed or judged. Unsurprisingly, a lack of trust can destroy a relationship.
There are 10 things you can do to build trust in any relationship.
1. Value what they value.
When somebody is dear to you, you make the effort to make them feel supported and cared for. One way to do this is to pay attention to the things they are interested in — even if you find them boring. This means listening when they talk about their hobbies, showing up to the events they participate in, and cheering them on.
2. Remember the little things.
Everyone can remember a birthday or an anniversary. We know we can trust someone when they remember the little things. Taking this further, we trust the people who are considerate, respectful, and understanding. They are often the ones who pay attention to the small details of the things we say.
3. Be mindful and respectful.
Understand and honor this person’s boundaries (physical, emotional, mental, etc.) This means making sure that you do not pressure them into doing things that they do not feel comfortable with. Moreover, never make promises that you cannot or do not intend to keep. To gain someone’s trust, you need to show them that you are honest, mindful, and respectful.
4. Have integrity.
According to Stephen Covey, “One of the most important ways to manifest integrity is to be loyal to those who are not present. In doing so, we build the trust of those who are present.” In other words, do not gossip about the people you hold dear. Furthermore, stand up for them when others are spreading rumors or talking behind their back.
5. Communicate.
The way you communicate and the things you talk about can make or break your relationship. If you only ever have small talk and you fight to win arguments, you will not have a long-lasting or healthy connection. To build a meaningful bond, you need to discuss your thoughts and feelings openly. More importantly, you need to listen to one another when arguing and attempt to resolve rather than win the argument.
6. Be vulnerable.
You cannot expect someone to trust you if you show them that you do not have faith in them. Being vulnerable, sharing secrets, and discussing your feelings will show them that you trust them too.
7. Try to put yourself in your partner’s shoes.
If you want to understand your partner’s side of an issue, try to see things from their perspective. Being stubborn and not willing to see somebody else’s point of view makes them think that you value your ego more than them. This is dangerous and it can break your relationship.
8. Show appreciation
Do not take the ones you love for granted. Let them know you value everything they do and show them how much your relationship means to you. Being appreciative and expressing gratitude can make your relationship so much stronger.
9. Take responsibility for your actions.
If you make a mistake, own up to it. Apologize for the things you do wrong and never attempt to deceive, manipulate, or gaslight someone into forgiving you. Taking responsibility for your actions does not break trust. Lying does.
10. Forgive others.
Remember that nobody is perfect. Just like you make mistakes, others will too. Show them the same understanding and forgiveness that they show you.
If you keep these ten things in mind, you will be able to build a strong and meaningful connection with the people in your life. Mutual trust is key.
