Trust is the foundation of any healthy relationship, be it romantic, friendly, or professional. However, building trust can be a challenging task, especially for individuals who grew up in a toxic environment or have trust issues. Trust takes time and starts with small steps.

Effective and honest communication is the first step towards building trust. Being transparent about your limitations and saying no when necessary is essential. Many people tend to say yes to everything to please others in new relationships, but taking on too much can backfire. Keeping your promises and commitments is also important, as trust is easier to break than gain.

Participating in the relationship and showing vulnerability is the next step. Trust is a two-way street, and to earn it, you must give it. Opening up and showing your authentic self, including your fears, insecurities, and vulnerabilities, creates an opportunity for the other person to do the same. Communicating and giving feedback can help in showing what you need and how the other person can help.

Being genuine is crucial in building trust. It's not enough to have good intentions; you need to be your authentic self. When people sense that you are not being real with them, it becomes harder to trust you. Showing authentic kindness and feelings helps in building trust.

It's important to note that destroying trust can happen quickly and easily. Belittling someone, refusing to take accountability for problems, betrayal, being judgmental, and flaking on commitments can all sabotage trust. The more emotionally intimate the relationship is, the more important it is to show that you care and are aware of how you treat the other person.

A lack of trust can negatively impact someone's mental health. Feelings of insecurity, depression, and anxiety can arise when there is a lack of trust in a relationship. It's essential to build and maintain trust as it allows for more open, honest, and authentic relationships.

If you are rebuilding trust, it's important to take things slowly and not push your doubts and worries away immediately. Trust takes time, and giving the other person the chance to earn it is necessary. Trust is not a one-time thing; it's an ongoing process that requires effort and commitment from both parties involved.

Remember, I'm always here to support you with coaching on this issue along with other areas of your life.