It is said that trust can take years to build, a second to break, and a lifetime to repair. Trust in your partner is an important aspect of an emotionally healthy relationship. Partners flourish, finding solace in:
- Fulfillment of emotional needs
- Liberation to be unapologetically themselves
- The cocoon of safety they share
Although important, developing trust between partners demands effort and time. Before fully committing, align on what trust entails. Unveil partner expectations through conversations, initiating the trust-building journey.Taking the time to understand what your partner is looking for and have the necessary conversations begins the process of building trust.
4 Ways to Build Trust in Relationships
- Honesty: Forging a Foundation of Truth
Honesty is the primary step in building trust in a relationship. So much so that even in marriage dishonesty or fraud are grounds for divorce. To meet emotional needs, we must be honest with both ourselves and our partners. Honesty nurtures accountability and an unshakable bond. - Consistency: Nurturing Small Acts for Lifelong Trust
Although it might seem insignificant, daily acts sow the seeds of consistency. These sprout into robust patterns that define trustworthiness. For instance, telling “white lies” about where we are after work may turn into telling larger lies about where we are the whole night after coming in at 6 am. Inconsistency fractures trust, making it difficult for our partners to strengthen emotional bonds. - Communication: The Lifeline of Connection
When we mishear or misunderstand our partner, or begin to withhold our thoughts and feelings, this can cause mistrust. Keeping secrets, or communicating solely from a distance (text, email, phone calls) can cause a disconnect in our ability to openly share information. We strengthen trust when we keep secrets for our partners and communicate feedback both positive and negative between partners in person. - Boundaries: Carving Space for Growth
A big part of a healthy relationship is establishing boundaries that both partners’ respect. Both you and your partner are two people embarking on life as a unit, however, it is important to remember that you are still two individuals. Boundaries are a great way to affirm mutual respect and solidify trust’s foundation.
When we meet the emotional needs of our partners and create a safe environment for them that is free of judgement, we are laying a foundation to build a trusting and fulfilling relationship. Consider it as an investment in the success of your relationship, and it is an important show of how much each partner values the other.
At C.S. Counselling & Consulting Services, we specialize in private couples’ and individual counselling addressing trust and communication, coping skills and mental well-being, depression, anxiety, alcohol and substance abuse, and navigation of legal proceedings with a healthy sense of self. We see both call-in and referral clients and offer services from RSW-registered professionals. It is our goal to work with you and/or your loved one to provide clarity while developing skills to cope during an otherwise stressful and challenging time.