Trust is an essential element of any healthy relationship, but it’s also something you must actively work to maintain. If you’ve done something to erode a stable foundation of trust with a loved one, you’ll likely find that repairing it is an uphill climb. Here are some ways to rebuild trust in a relationship.
1. Ask Relevant Questions
When you’ve hurt someone with your words and deeds, merely saying “I’m sorry” is not sufficient to mend the wounds. Ask the other person what they need to rebuild trust, and welcome their suggestions about how to avoid repeating the harmful behavioral patterns. Asking open-ended questions and being an active listener goes a step further than an apology by demonstrating respect for the other person’s feelings.
2. Take Full Responsibility for Your Actions
If you lied to, cheated on or stole from someone, they probably feel profoundly betrayed. In this case, any excuses you come up with will probably make matters worse. To rebuild trust, you must honestly and sincerely demonstrate your commitment to changing for the better. Have an open conversation about what you must do to repair the relationship for mutual benefit.
3. Practice Compassion
To fully appreciate the pain you caused, do your best to view the broken trust from your loved one’s perspective. Let them talk from their heart and pour out their emotions. Absorbing their frustration, hurt and anguish may be uncomfortable for you, but to rebuild trust, you must be empathetic and give the other person time and space to express their feelings.
4. Work With a Therapist
If your heart-to-heart conversations with your loved one aren’t enough to heal, try working with a licensed family or couples therapist who can help you explore your emotions in a safe, non-judgmental way. Seeking a neutral third party’s support in shoring up your relationship isn’t a sign of weakness – it’s a demonstration of your commitment to heal. In therapy, you will learn to improve your communications skills, set healthy boundaries and reduce conflict.
5. Be Patient
Depending on the scope of the relationship damage, you might not manage to work through everything in a single conversation, and that’s OK. Dedicate specific times to talk with your loved one, and make sure to do so in a distraction-free environment – that way, you can focus fully on the discussion and give each other your undivided attention.
6. Seek Treatment
When mental or behavioral health problems like depression, substance abuse or sexual addiction are harming your relationship, enrolling in a treatment program is a beneficial way to start on a path to recovery. By participating in a personalized continuum of care designed to meet your unique needs, you can identify the root causes of these issues and begin working on becoming a healthier, happier and more present person.
How to Find Help
At Pine Grove, we provide high-quality, holistic treatment and services in a safe, secure environment. If you need help with your mental health or are struggling with addiction, our professional, caring, compassionate staff members are here to guide you toward healing. Contact us today to learn more.
