You’ve been in a relationship with your partner for a while, and you thought everything was going well. You trusted them completely, and you were confident in the strength of your relationship. But recently, you’ve noticed some things that have made you question that trust. Maybe you caught them in a lie, or you overheard something that didn’t quite add up. Perhaps they’ve been distant or secretive, and you’re not sure why. Whatever the reason, the trust you had in your partner is starting to erode, and you’re not sure what to do.
Trust is a fundamental component of any healthy relationship. When it’s broken, it can be difficult to know what to do or where to turn. If you’ve lost trust in your partner and it feels like you’re the only one experiencing this, nope! I’m telling you, you’re not alone. Many people find themselves in a similar situation, feeling hurt, confused, and unsure of how to move forward. In this article, we’ll explore some signs of trust issues and what you can do to start rebuilding trust.
The above scenario is one solid sign that you’re doubting your partner. Other signs that you have trust issues are the following:
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- You feel like your partner is hiding something from you.
- You constantly question their motives and intentions.
- You have a hard time believing what they say.
- You’re always on the lookout for signs of infidelity or deception.
- You feel like you need to check up on them or monitor their behavior.
- You have a hard time opening up to them or being vulnerable.
Don’t ignore any of these signs if you’re experiencing them. Ignoring trust issues won’t make them go away, and they’ll only get worse if left unchecked. Here are some steps you can take to start rebuilding trust:
1. Talk to your partner:
Communication is key in any relationship, especially when trust has been broken. Talk to your partner about how you’re feeling and what you’ve noticed. Be honest and direct, but avoid accusations or blame. Focus on your own feelings and experiences, rather than making assumptions about your partner’s intentions or actions.
2. Be willing to listen:
It’s important to give your partner the space to explain themselves and share their perspective. Listen to what they have to say without interrupting or getting defensive. Ask questions if you need clarification, and try to understand their point of view.
3. Take responsibility for your own actions:
If you’ve contributed to the breakdown of trust in any way, own up to it and take responsibility. Apologize if necessary, and commit to making changes that will help rebuild trust. One way to do this is by learning more about who you are through taking this 4Ps Quiz (Peace, Passion, Purpose & Pleasure). As you become more familiar with yourself, you can now take better responsibility for your actions and communicate better what you need or feel.
4. Set boundaries and expectations:
If you’re going to work on rebuilding trust, it’s important to be clear about your boundaries and expectations. What behaviors are you willing to tolerate, and what is off-limits? What actions do you need to see from your partner to start rebuilding trust?
5. Seek professional help:
If you’re struggling to rebuild trust on your own, consider seeking the help of a therapist. Just like us at Shirley Therapeutic and Consulting Services, we can provide guidance, support, and tools to help you and your partner work through your trust issues. We can also help you manage the emotions and stress that come with your relationship challenges. This will enable you to build a stronger, healthier relationship.
Remember, rebuilding trust takes time, effort, and a willingness to be vulnerable. But with patience and dedication, it’s possible to repair a broken relationship and build a stronger foundation of trust and love.
Reference:
RisserLISW-S, W. by:M., & FullerMD, R. by:K. (n.d.). 13 signs of trust issues & how to get over them. Choosing Therapy. Retrieved February 15, 2023, from https://www.choosingtherapy.com/trust-issues/
