In any relationship, people have to be able to trust each other. This means being honest with the other person in the relationship. Having trust in a relationship also means proving to each other that you are reliable and responsible, showing that you are dependable.

What happens in a relationship without trust? It could involve second guessing and not believing each other. It also might involve betrayal by sharing secrets, or obsessively checking on the other person. For example, if you are worried your boyfriend or girlfriend is cheating on you, constantly checking his or her phone messages to make sure he or she is not texting or calling someone else means you do not trust him or her. A better solution is to communicate your concerns and develop a greater sense of trust.

Trust is an important component of any healthy relationship. If your relationship lacks trust, it's hard to get close to the other person and to rely on him or her for support. In a trusting relationship, you should be able to share information with your partner without worrying that he or she will share it with others or gossip about it.

You also should avoid sharing any confidential information your partner tells you (unless keeping a secret puts him or her in danger). In a healthy relationship, you should also feel comfortable around the other person and not fear for your safety. If you do fear for your safety or feel belittled or hurt when you're around your partner, there is a good chance you're in an abusive relationship. Check out Dating Violence and Abuse).

Now let's relate trust back to The ABCs:

• Awareness: This includes instincts. Always trust your instincts.


• Balance: You must have a relationship built on mutual trust.


• Choices: Trust that you are making the right decisions and follow through with them.

Trust eventually leads to respect, the third building block of The ABCs.

Back to top