10 Ways to Build Trust in Your Relationship

Shawntres Parks, a licensed marriage and family therapist once said "Trust is the feeling of emotional, physical, and psychological security generated when a person is consistent with their behavior."

When trust is missing in your relationship, it becomes unhealthy.

The foundation to a healthy, happy and long term relationship is trust. Close relationships, corporate bodies and society thrive on this.

Certain life experiences can impact a person's ability to trust other individuals. Fears and insecurities could wreck a relationship, if trust is not prioritized.

However, you can begin to enjoy satisfaction in your relationships when you start building on trust.

Do you want to energize or build your relationship?

These 10 steps will guide you into building and regaining back trust, just in case you've lost it.

1. Honour Your Words

Don't be quick to make decisions or promises but in case you do, ensure you keep them.

Problems begin to set in when you can't stick to your words. Your partner won't take you seriously or honor your words because of consistent failures.

Your words become empty.

Commitment and consistent actions are requirements to build positive connections.

Make sure you always come through on your promises.

2. Communicate With One Another Effectively

Poor communication breaks down relationships.

Prioritize your time together by engaging in profitable discussions like "what you want and don't want."

In other words, your dos and don'ts

Make sure you're clear in your communication. Be clear about your boundaries. Tell them places you don't want them to encroach e.g personal space and time etc. Be sure to give them reasons for this.

Sadly, many expect their partners to read through their silence. The truth is this lack of communication will only make room for skepticism.

You'd arouse unnecessary suspicion just because they can't give reasons for your actions.

Ensure you communicate clearly with them. Understanding is key.

3. Be Honest

Never ever lie to your partner!

Read that again.

And again! Till that statement sinks.

No matter how little the lie may be, never attempt it because little foxes spoil the vine. Many failed relationships are victims of lies.

A damaged trust is either left in pieces or takes a long time to heal. And lies cause that damage.

Also, consider that your truth could be perceived as lies later on because of this single fault.

4. Express Your Feelings

Hide no displeasure against another, rather, be open to each other.

Express your emotions.

Pour out how you feel. This act got you the relationship, this will keep it.

So don't be scared to bring up issues and resolve them quickly. This will help you ease the tension around you and understand each other better.

5. Value the Relationship

Consistency births trust.

When you consistently show up for people they'd place value on it. You make them know that you value them.

When they see the amount of energy you invest into the relationship, how you're there during times of need and vulnerability, it instills trust inside them unconsciously.

Also, learn to prioritize their emotional needs and avoid being complacent. This gesture touches their heart and creates assurance that you'd always be there for them.

6. Pay Attention

Be attuned and attentive to their feelings and experiences.

Be open and listen to them when they speak.

Contribute by responding appropriately with the right tone and emotions.

7. Show Kindness to One Another

Several needs may arise: make sure you're there for them in your own little way. If you've practiced the principle of openness, they'd understand during situations whereby you couldn't come through for them.

Prioritize their needs. Make them realize that you're a backbone they can rely on.

8. Build Your Trust Process

As Rome was not built in a day the same is applicable to trust. It takes process.

Your faithfulness over little matters grows your partner's trust for you.

Your experiences with one another over the years develop and build trust.

It's a long term and never ending process for both parties.

9. Appreciate Each Other’s Effort

The energy invested into a relationship fuels the relationship. It's what makes things happen.

Every effort must be appreciated and rewarded. Once in a while, lavish each other with praises, gifts and rewards.

10. Admit Your Mistakes

Everyone is bound to make mistakes.

Take responsibility for your actions rather than shifting blames around.

Never be scared to look vulnerable.

In fact, the more you show your vulnerability, the more authentic you're seen.

Studies have shown that vulnerable moments are met with support and increases the experience of intimacy and satisfaction in a relationship.

Acknowledge your mistakes, learn the lessons and take productive actions.

Conclusion

You might have made some mistakes that resulted into trust issues.

Your past mistakes could be the reason why you're scared to move on.

No matter the issue, you can begin a new process by putting these steps into practice.

All you have to do is meet your partner, sit down together and talk. Just like the tenth point, let (s)he know that you made a mistake and you've decided to be a better person.

Let the change be seen in your action and truly you can start your trust process once again.