Do you think you have been successful in developing trust in friendship? Some of you might affirm positively, and would probably agree with what I personally think that trust can never be build overnight.
Developing trust in friendship sometimes takes longer than you can imagine, as it involves the combination of many subtle mental processes, and gross social experiences.
A friendship, whether online or offline is where two people share, unite, and enjoy being with each other. It is a state where the concerned persons are at total peace with each other and feel like being in their comfort zones.
Your friend almost becomes like a family member, and slowly you begin trusting the relationship and develop sincere feelings for the person. Friends become part of your life and when they are away, you miss them, their chats, talks, the closeness, sharing, and the enjoyable feelings you have when they are around.
Developing trust in friendship needs loyalty, sincerity, honesty, and respect, where trust is one of the sole foundation to make the relationship last. You need to be open with the people you trust, and share things openly with them. It can be done by doing simple things like sharing a glass of wine, chats over the phone, regular beer, walk down the path, just being together, or whatever works for you.
“The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it’s the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him with his friend.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson.
A true and trusted friend will not steal your ideas, hurt or alienate you, deceive you, neglect you, find faults with you, exploit your contacts, or make life harder for you. Instead, they want to see you bloom and flourish, see your life, your work, and your relationships turn out to be more fruitful. Thus, you allow these trusted friends into your lives, give them space to speak the truth, even if at times it hurts, because the wounds of a friend can be trusted.
Some things you can do for developing trust in friendship-
1. Remain Honest
Always tell the truth, no matter what it may cost you. When your friend commits a mistake, be bold and yet gentle to rebuke or confront them. Let your friend know that you do not hate the person, instead hate the deed they did. Your friend will trust you more, because you are not afraid to tell the truth and are a trustworthy person.
2. Keep a secret
While developing trust in friendship, it is important that you keep your friends secrets and not share it with others. If something has been told and shared only with you, as a true friend, you should not lose the trust that is hard to regain later. Instead, by keeping your friend’s secret, you are keeping your promise and you allow them to trust and share things with you.
3. Remain considerate
You need to be understanding and considerate, without putting any kind of pressure on your friends in any circumstances. Instead, try to find ways to help and support your friend that will build trust between both of you.
4. Make time
To develop trust in friendship, you need to communicate and make time for each other. You need to do things together, but also give the required space to each other at times.
5. Listen
You need to listen to your friend when they need someone to talk to, without suggesting your opinion or giving your advice when it is not asked for. You cannot trust someone who always gives unsolicited advice, and should wait when your opinion is asked.
6. Encourage
When your friend is down; take care to encourage them by showing compassion, concern, and your loyalty. Let them know that you are always there whenever they need you. Affirm your friends of their strengths and help them get over their weaknesses.
7. Offer help
Always volunteer to help when your friend is in need, even if they don’t ask you. Sometimes, friends feel embarrassed to seek help thinking that they might disturb your work or privacy, or don’t want to bother you with their own personal concern. But as a true friend, you need to offer your help and develop trust in friendship.
8. Sharing things
Always share everything with your friend without any kind of reservations. Plan to have a get together, have fun and share your blessings. Let your friends know that they are always important to you and they will also develop trust in friendship and share things back with you.
The beauty of developing trust in friendship is that friends can provide you a non judgmental fresh perspective, look at the situation in your life from a place where they know you, and care and love you for who you are.
Trust begets trust and if you build your trust to somebody, they will give back the trust on you. While developing trust in friendship, let them know that you are allowing them into that special place on your heart.
How do you develop the trust in friendship? What have your experiences been while making friends?
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