Multiply the Trust Factor in Your Relationship

June 15, 2015 - 

To maintain an open and communicative relationship, trust is a key component.   Following are are seven tips to help you build trust in your relationship:

  1. Involve your partner in decisions affecting them both directly and tangentially. For big decisions plan a meeting and let them know what you want to discuss. Be open and willing to consider their opinion.  If it is a big decision, plan a few discussions.  Have patience and be willing to look for the best solution, together. For smaller decisions, planning a conversation may not be necessary but a similar mindset is required.
  2. Pay attention to your partner. In the thick of things, life can spiral out of control and it can seem natural to neglect your house if it isn’t falling apart.  Many work places encourage a crisis culture, further creating a norm of reactive, instead of proactive. Don’t fall prey to this false sense of need.  Your partner, your home, your family all require your diligent attention.  The outcome of your home life is a direct reflection on the investment you put in.  If you would like your relationship to succeed, nurture it as you would any other investment.
  3. Trust your partner. Trust is one of the foundation building blocks of a relationship. To create a healthy, strong relationship, trust your partner and be trustworthy.  Honesty and transparency are great starting points.  Model the behavior you want to see in the world!
  4. Communicate. At some point in our development as humans, we decided that because we could read, write, listen, and speak, that meant that we could communicate.  Communication, in my opinion, is far more than just reading or throwing words out.  True communication requires that both the person delivering the message and the person receiving the message understand the message the same.  This level of communication requires a different type of commitment from both parties. It is not as easy as throwing stuff on the table and seeing what sticks.  Communication requires time and patience to convey an honest and sometimes, vulnerable concept or idea.
  5. Be consistent.  Clearly establishing expectations is the best way to ensure your needs are met.  While fairy tales would have us believe that a partner who truly loved us would know what we are looking for, that expectancy creates unnecessary heartache.  No one in your life knows what you want and need better than you do.  Avoid confusion and disappointment by avoiding vague expectations.
  6. Be supportive. Your partner is just that – a partner.  Employ the platinum rule.  Treat them how they want to be treated.  Give them the love, support and encouragement they need to thrive.
  7. Set family / partner values and adhere to them. Create a vision for your life together.  Discuss your values.  Create goals and revisit them often. Celebrate success and work through the obstacles. Prioritize your partner and your life together.

What’s your investment in pushing boundaries and limits and dreaming to be DesireBound?