Few people reflect on the components of trust, as they are very individual. Nevertheless, there are some basic aspects.

1. Facts. The more we know about each other in a couple, the easier it is to predict reactions. Therefore, if you can roughly anticipate what to expect, the level of anxiety is lower. It is precisely from the predictability of a partner's behavior that trust is born. The breed of the first dog, the name of a school crush, and the most important childhood dream are just as important as personal information, underwear size, and the Wi-Fi password.
2. Shared experiences. Experiencing events together brings people closer. Sometimes, going through difficulties strengthens the bond more than shared joys. Some couples are tested by major renovations, while for others, a simple request to take out the trash can be a challenge. The more time a couple spends together, the easier it becomes to determine whether this person is worthy of your unconditional trust.
3. Values. Building trust in a relationship where one person expects marital fidelity and home-cooked borscht while the other is accustomed to open relationships and sushi delivery is difficult. Much depends on the social circle, education, and shared interests, but nothing destroys a relationship like a lack of alignment in fundamental values. Is lying for personal gain good or bad? Is cutting in line shameful or just clever? Are finances shared or does each person have their own budget? You can add religion, political leanings, relationships with parents, and anything else that is "self-evident" for you and not up for negotiation.
4. Joint future. If people share values and have a vision of each other, it's a good sign. If they also make plans together for the future, it significantly strengthens the trust in each other. Joint purchases and a shared mortgage are not always a guarantee of a happy life, but they bring a certain order and stability to the relationship. Shared dreams, however, are truly priceless. It's a shame we rarely have enough time for them.
5. Compromise. The ability to negotiate in a relationship is highly valued. Most marriages survive thanks to wisdom, not stubbornness. "Do you want to be happy or do you want to be right?" - my grandfather used to ask me. The ability to listen to the other person, to speak without offense, and to convey your thoughts clearly is a great art. Unfortunately, learning from your mistakes can be costly.
6. Support. Happy couples have strong emotional involvement in each other's experiences and practice the ability to hold back instead of delivering a hurtful "I told you so." Empathy, emotional intelligence - all of this is essentially the ability to tune into the other person's emotions and give them the opportunity to lean on you without the fear of rejection during difficult times.
7. Acceptance. "Happiness is when you're understood" (c) And trust is when you're accepted. When you don't have to constantly wear a mask and hide behind a flawless facade. When you know that you are loved not for what you can give but for who you are on the inside.
8. Closeness. This process combines all the points mentioned here. An invaluable level of trust when you can be naked not only on the outside but also on the inside.
9. Involvement. The assurance that your partner cares about you. That your problems won't be dismissed as insignificant, and your successes will be met with genuine joy. When they know where your desk is in the office, and you know where they park their car. When you're genuinely interested in their affairs, and they care about how your day went. Trust is the ability to share each other's lives and interests.
10. Confidence. Confidence that you are loved, that you are needed, that life would be sad without you, and with you, it's peaceful. Confidence that you can make mistakes, act foolishly and look silly, but it won't affect their feelings for you.
What about you? ❤️