There are many reasons for trust issues and it’s certainly not unhealthy to be cautious and protect ourselves. However, if our trust issues are keeping us from having relaxed, fulfilling relationships and impacting our self-esteem and mental & emotional well-being, it’s something for us to work on.

HERE ARE SOME SIGNS OF TRUST ISSUES

• You expect betrayal.
• You are overly protective or defensive.
• You keep others at an emotional arms’ length.
• You are scared of real commitment and intimacy.
• You don’t forgive the smallest mistakes.
• You are excessively wary of people.
• You feel lonely and alone.

HOW TO HANDLE YOUR TRUST ISSUES

It’s important to recognise the meaning of trust. Some things to try to help let go of issues with trust are:

1. Accept the risk that comes with learning to trust again.
We are all flawed and imperfect—we ourselves will make mistakes and let people down. We can try to accept this as part of the human condition and be okay with it, knowing we can cope.

2. Understand how trust works.
Trust doesn’t have to be given out freely. It’s okay to wait for people to earn it before deciding we can rely on them. But the most important person to trust is *ourselves*.

3. Take emotional risks.
Practise bravery and allow yourself to be vulnerable and take micro-risks to develop trust slowly over time. This is how we learn to create healthy relationships again. We can’t just stay stuck.

4. Face your fears and other negative feelings built around trust.
Admit to yourself why you’re scared and what you’re scared of, so you can process those experiences, heal what you can and attempt to move on into a better future.

5. Trust again. And again.
If you fail and revert back to distrusting tendencies, have compassion for yourself. Trust again. Keep putting yourself out there. You deserve love and care.

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