Clear and honest communication should be a given in any form of relationship. It’s not about spilling everything that comes to mind. Instead, it’s about expressing your feelings and thoughts without fear of judgment.
Consistency is another answer for how to build trust in a relationship. Your partner’s trust in you is the result of your behavior towards them over time. So consistently doing what you say and delivering on your promises is a sure way of earning and keeping their trust.
I get it. It can be terrifying and sometimes awfully embarrassing to let your guard down and show someone the unreserved version of you. After all, it’s not always easy to share our insecurities and fears. And it’s even harder to show and admit our imperfections.
Emotional support is all about being there for your partner no matter what. What does this look like in everyday life? It could be a tight hug when they’re feeling down. Or it could be just listening and allowing them to vent out after a long and stressful day.
Healthy relationships are those where the partners respect and acknowledge each other’s comfort zones – beyond the relationship and away from each other. When you set boundaries and acknowledge each other’s individuality, it’s like assuring your partner they can trust you to respect their needs.
Mistakes are as inevitable as change, so being generous with forgiveness is another crucial step in building trust and intimacy in a relationship. I’m not saying that all mistakes are forgivable.
Having time together is another key to strengthening trust and intimacy in a romantic relationship. We briefly touched on this earlier when we talked about consistency.
Regularly thanking your partner creates a positive space for growing trust and intimacy. Look at the scientific proof of this: In a 2012 publication by the American Psychology Association, three separate studies on gratitude and relationships were reported.
Have you heard of the “cuddle chemical,” the “bonding hormone,” or the “love hormone”? If not, I’ve got you. All three terms refer to the same thing: oxytocin.
Building trust and intimacy is a trial-and-error journey, and let me tell you now, you will fall a few times along the way. The key is for you and your partner to take advantage of your stumbles – learn and grow from them.