Trust is one of the main pillars of healthy relationships. Without it, it is almost impossible to be with someone for the long term and establish a harmonious coexistence and relationship. If you don’t trust your partner, you’ll never feel truly loved, and you’ll always have doubts if whether the other’s feelings are genuine and whether they would betray you in some way.

In addition, trust is important because:

• It gives peace of mind: if you trust your partner, you’ll know that no matter what happens, you can count on the other person. This allows you to make stronger plans and grow together.
• It helps overcome obstacles: Knowing that your partner is real and that you can believe what he or she says is the first step in overcoming difficult times as a strong couple and team.
• It increases individual freedom: There is nothing better than being with someone who encourages your individuality, and this is only possible when there is trust. If you trust your partner, you won’t feel unsafe giving them space to do things and activities without you. You also won’t be suspicious of who they spend time with when they’re not with you.

How do you know if there is trust in your relationship?

If there is jealousy or a lack of trust, you always doubt your partner’s word. if you have the habit of invading your partner’s privacy: for example, by looking at their mobile without consent; or if you are not able to take risks together, then there is no trust in your couple.

In contrast, in a trusting relationship:

• Conversations are frank because there is no fear of sharing ideas, feelings, and wishes.
• There are constant demonstrations of care, trust, and consideration.
• There is active listening and attention; when the other person is speaking. Eye contact is also maintained because there is nothing to hide.
• Acts of affection such as kissing, hugging, or hand holding are frequent and show the strength of your couple and bond.
• Both parties know how to admit their mistakes and do not hide their errors or faults; with excuses or dubious explanations.
• There are no masks and you can be authentic / or because the other person accepts you as you are.

5 ways to improve trust with your partner:

According to psychologists, trust comes with time and must be constantly worked on. Below are seven tips for improving trust with your partner:

1. Trust yourself:

A person who lacks confidence often has low self-esteem, is more insecure, and will have more difficulty trusting others. Keep in mind that if this person has chosen you to share life with, it is because he or she can see your worth, and value and is compatible with you, hopefully.

By recognizing your value, you will not be afraid of abandonment and this will allow you to not sabotage the relationship. If you’re one to always sabotage good relationships; then you’ll have to learn to stop doing that and getting in the way of your own happiness.

2. Keep your thoughts positive:

If your partner has never given you a reason to doubt them, then trust them. It’s that simple!

As they say, we are always innocent until proven guilty. If you are suspicious, jealous and you are quick to draw often-wrong conclusions, it will be very difficult to gain trust in the relationship or your partner. Invest energy in good feelings like affection, optimism, and gratitude.

3. Be empathetic:

We all have difficult times. When this happens with your partner, it is important to show concern for their feelings and be sensitive to their needs. Even in situations where you don’t agree with their attitude or if they haven’t taken your advice, you need to be supportive.

If you show empathy in the most complicated phases of life, your partner will be more likely to trust you; because he will know that he can open up and this will strengthen the love bond.

4. Learn to communicate well:

Poor communication is one of the main factors that lead to relationship breakdown. On the other hand, knowing how to communicate is essential to better understand what the other person is thinking and thus make the necessary adjustments; to make the relationship work.

If communication does not flow, trust is unlikely to form. Communicating effectively means knowing how to listen, choosing the right words, being truthful, respecting the other person’s opinion and trying to reach a common point.

If your partner is not responsive, or communicative or they have been cold, silent, and sort of giving you the cold shoulder then pressure them to communicate with you more clearly.

5. Keep your word:

If you’re looking to increase trust in your relationship, don’t give promises that you cannot keep! Don’t say something that is not compatible with how you truly feel. If you then say one thing but do another, your partner will stop trusting your word.

Remember, for trust to work, it must be mutual. Treat your partner the way you want to be treated. Finally, remember that trust is earned over time, requires dedication, but is very fragile and can be broken with only one wrong move or a single word.

So learn not to give any promise unless you have full intention of keeping it, especially not to your partner. So remember you should NEVER; under any circumstance, break a promise unless you’re ready to lose that person’s trust forever.