Trust is essential in any type of relationship that you have in your life. No matter if the relationship is between family members, friends, neighbors, coworkers, or a romantic partner. Trust is required in order to have healthy relationships.
You may feel more trust in a family member than in someone who is just your neighbor. But this doesn't mean that the amount of trust you have for someone can't change. Trust can rise and fall depending on certain people, life events, and interactions with others.
For some people, trust comes naturally and easily. For others, it may take a little more time and effort to build trust.
Here's how to build trust in your relationship.
Keep Your Communication Open and Honest
One of the best ways to ensure you have trust in a relationship is to ensure that your communication with one another is always open and honest. The topic of conversation you have with your partner won't always be sunshine and rainbows. You will have negative or challenging conversations from time to time. Having open communication with your partner means that you are both willing and able to discuss anything and everything together. This makes it a lot easier to bring up any issues or concerns that either of you may have about your relationship and can bring you closer together.
Show Your Partner You're Making an Effort
Relationships require a little give and take. One partner shouldn't always feel like they're giving and giving while the other partner just takes. The relationship should be beneficial to both parties. Relationships involve two people coming together to form one bond with one another. While you shouldn't change who you are completely, there are certain things that you may have to change or compromise on in order for the relationship to work. If you make a mistake, show your partner that you're learning, growing, and making an effort to make the change.
Set Boundaries
Boundaries may seem like a harsh request, but they're essential for healthy relationships. Boundaries aren't a set of rules used to control a person; they are limits on what you will do or are willing to accept. They are meant to protect your well-being, not be wheeled as a weapon. Boundaries can be related to emotions, finances, time, physical space, or material objects. Implementing and enforcing boundaries can be a great way to show that you and your partner trust one another.
Practice Active Listening
Communication is a two-way street. It involves both speaking your mind and listening. Ensure that when your partner speaks to you, you give them your full and undivided attention. Turn off any distractions that are happening around you. This means making sure the television is off and that your phone is put away or on silent or vibrate. Make eye contact with your partner and lean in to show that you're attentive and engaged to what they're trying to communicate with you. This shows them that you truly care and are there for them and their needs.
Seek Additional Support
You're not expected to have all of the answers all the time. Relationships take a lot of time and effort. If you and your partner are struggling a bit with the trust in your relationship, you're not alone. Sometimes, a relationship just requires an outside third party so that both partners can see one another's point of view in a safe and secure space. We're here to help you when you're ready. Individual therapy, couples therapy, or a combination of the two may be exactly what you and your partner are looking for. Reach out today to set up a consultation.