One of the most critical elements of any relationship is one of trust. Couples who build a strong sense of trust are happier, just as those in trustworthy work relationships are more productive and have better connections with those they work with. Often times an argument or a bad feeling you may have experienced with another person or situation is really an experience of a lack of trust. I would propose a majority of arguments, at their core, are related in some way to the issue of trust as well as an issues of misunderstanding and lack of communication. (Clear, open and honest communication is always critical to building trust.)
Quite simply open up your life and tell the truth. Allow others into your life, even the perceived dark corners. I’m not saying that we are to dump everything out into the open, most certainly I advocate for discernment with respect to sharing. However when we attempt to hide things, (from ourselves and others), we fail to create an atmosphere of trust. Living in a space of secrets often creates a negative energy in our own lives which is projected outward. Often we can begin to distrust because of our own untrustworthy behavior. We spend so much time hiding ourselves from others that we can rob ourselves of vital energy needed for other more productive pursuits.
Do what you say and be what you mean. True sincerity will get you a long way in the world. People will come to rely on you as being someone who delivers on their promises. (Note to parents: Our children model what they see us do, not what they hear us say.) This leads to the next key…
If you promise something to someone, deliver on your promise. Trust between people quickly erodes when you prove to others through your actions that your promises either don’t mean anything or, almost just as bad, you are unreliable and people don’t know whether you will deliver or not. Do you want people to be comfortable with you? Be reliable and keep your promises.
