Gaining trust in a new relationship can be challenging, particularly if you have been betrayed or let down in the past. But this journey doesn’t have to be impossible – it just requires effort and perseverance.
It’s essential to work on solving these problems gradually. Here are some tips for getting started: they won’t solve everything instantly, but they can start you on a path of self-reflection that will help rebuild trust between you and yourself.
1. Don’t be afraid to ask questions
Trust issues can be a stressful part of dating, but you don’t have to face them alone. With the right support system in place, trust issues don’t need to be something you have to endure alone.
Therapists can assist you in deciphering why you have trust issues and working on strategies to heal them. Often these feelings stem from painful experiences in the past.
Have you been hurt by a partner who was unfaithful or dishonest, or experienced emotional abuse from a close relative? No matter the source, trust issues can negatively impact all relationships in your life.
But you don’t have to be shy when asking questions about your financial situation, if your date has had an affair or how they feel about you. Experts advise keeping intentions clear and not being afraid to step on each other’s toes during sensitive conversations.
2. Be open-minded
Open-mindedness is a valuable character trait that encourages you to think critically and creatively. Individuals with this trait are able to transcend fixed ideas, generate new ones, and seek advice from knowledgeable others on any given topic.
Being open-minded in a relationship can improve communication between you and your significant other. It also encourages both of you to discover new interests and hobbies, adding some zest and adventure to life.
Open-minded individuals do not become defensive when someone challenges their beliefs and ideas. Furthermore, they do not become angry if their assumptions prove incorrect.
Being open-minded can be challenging, so it’s essential to make a concerted effort to be more understanding and tolerant of your partner’s opinions and objectives. Otherwise, you could quickly find yourself stuck in an endless cycle of arguments that lead to resentment and conflict.
3. Don’t give in to unreasonable demands
It can be tempting to give in to unreasonable requests from your partner when feeling anxious, but this only serves to further erode any trust you may already have. Instead of communicating that you feel unsafe in the relationship, try asking why they are making the request in the first place.
Though this task may seem tedious, asking your partner why they want something can be a crucial step towards building trust and respect in your new relationship. Without taking time to ask why they need something, you could end up providing them with an answer which makes them feel bad about themselves or doesn’t even make sense.
Trust issues often stem from past negative experiences, such as being let down by someone you trusted or being duped by another partner. Working together to overcome these obstacles can build a stronger and more meaningful relationship. While it may take some effort on both sides, the rewards will be worth all the effort in the end.
4. Be honest
Being honest in a new relationship is an invaluable skill that you should strive to cultivate and hone. Not only is it essential for your own mental health and safety, but it can also benefit those around you who are close by.
One way to foster integrity in your life is by seeking out and understanding exemplars of honesty around you. These could include historical figures like Abraham Lincoln or contemporary individuals such as family members, friends, coworkers or community leaders.
You might also want to take an honest look at your own behaviors and habits, particularly if they lead you to lie to others. For instance, if you find that you often falsify grades or use banned substances without authorization, this can serve as a useful starting point in learning how to be more trustworthy.
Finally, it is essential to identify why you have trust issues and address them so that you can move forward. For instance, if you’ve had past experiences of betrayal or abuse, these could be contributing factors in creating the root cause.
