Why Do We Trust People?

Believe me, you'll gain a lot from this, so I urge you to read on. Trust is a fascinating topic, largely because we often misuse it and overlook its significant impact on our daily lives.

First, what is trust?

I concur with the traditional definition: ‘The firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something!’ But the question remains – why do we trust?

3 Reasons:

1. Sometimes we trust because we feel lonely and seek someone to fill that void. Young women may offer their hearts readily to immature young men in search of fulfillment, just as young men may surround themselves with so-called ‘friends’ to fit in. They’ll go to great lengths and take risks, all in the name of ‘trust’. We give everything to others, but what exactly do we expect in return?

2. We trust because we desire relationships. Sometimes, it’s not loneliness but the wish to make friends, create memories, and live a life worth remembering. The only way to experience a life full of laughter, tears, and joy is to trust others. Trust is the foundation of relationships, allowing us to rely on one another. Without it, there is no peace, and you cannot truly enjoy the life you are meant to live. Without trust, you’ll be constantly paranoid, unable to enjoy the present, and your mind will be filled with negative thoughts. Trust enables mutual dependence, collaboration, and the building of a strong foundation to withstand whatever challenges life presents.

3. Lastly, trust is essential for progress. Without trust, daily advancement is impossible. If you don’t trust doctors, you remain ill. If you don’t trust your body to lift weights, you risk injury. If you don’t trust teachers to prepare you for exams, you may fail. We trust people daily, often without realizing it: taxi drivers, bus drivers, shopkeepers, neighbors, delivery services, personal trainers, driving instructors, coaches, etc. To succeed or progress in any form, trust must be established as a foundation.

Recap:

1. People trust to fill a void, which is a precarious situation. Don’t let the trust you build be based on selfish desires, thirst, and desperation. Ensure you’re in control before seeking fulfillment. Trust built on false foundations leads to sorrow, pain, and misery. Be mentally and physically prepared before allowing someone to affect your heart. Don’t give anyone the chance to hold your heart just to satisfy your own needs or act out for approval. Before trusting, know who you are, what you need, and be aware of who they are and their intentions.

2. Avoid trusting too early in relationships. While building a foundation of trust, let others reveal themselves over time. Observe how they interact with family, friends, neighbors, teachers, and coaches. Their behavior around these people will reveal their true character. Awareness allows you to see them for who they are; otherwise, you risk being deceived by their falsehoods, leaving you broken in any relationship.

3. Lastly, remember that trust is a daily practice. Be cautious about where you invest your money, time, and energy. Trust those who will benefit you, and ensure you trust in your abilities, as progression depends on it.

Conclusion: Trust is beneficial but can also be dangerous. Now you understand how and whom to trust. Building a relationship with a solid foundation of trust requires patience, as it takes time, energy, and commitment. When genuine friends or a mature partner come along, you may be unable to fully trust them due to past misuse and damage.