Objective: Learn strategies to build and earn trust as you deepen your relationship.
Strategies to Build Trust:
- Be Consistent:
- Follow through on your promises, no matter how small. Consistency builds reliability and confidence in your actions.
- Communicate Openly and Honestly:
- Avoid hiding your intentions or feelings. Being upfront shows authenticity and respect for the relationship.
- Respect Boundaries:
- Trust grows when both partners feel their boundaries are acknowledged and respected.
- Show Empathy and Understanding:
- Be attentive to your partner’s feelings and experiences. Empathy fosters emotional intimacy.
- Take It Slow:
- Trust is earned over time. Rushing can lead to unmet expectations and doubts.
- Avoid Oversharing:
- Sharing personal details is important, but revealing too much too soon can overwhelm or push someone away. Avoid discussing past relationships until the bond has matured.
What to Avoid:
- Being Defensive: Responding to feedback with defensiveness can erode trust.
- Breaking Promises: Even small broken promises can create doubt.
- Dishonesty: Once trust is broken, it can be challenging to rebuild.