Trust is the foundation of every good relationship — you’ve heard it a million times, and that’s because it’s true.
If you can’t trust someone — whether it’s to keep your secrets, to listen to you without judgement, or not betray you even when the temptation is there — how can you ever rely on them or let them get close to you? You might go out of your way to prove yourself as someone who’s dependable and loyal, but it’s not always easy to tell if the people in your life have taken that to heart. However, just because they don’t come out and say “I trust you” in words doesn’t mean they don’t feel that way. If they do these things, it’s clear they know they’re safe with you.
1. They share their secrets with you.
When someone opens up and shares their deepest thoughts, fears, or experiences, it’s a sign they trust you with their vulnerabilities. Trust isn’t easy to build, and sharing secrets shows that they feel safe confiding in you. They trust you not just to keep their secrets, but also to listen without judging them. That kind of openness often means you’ve got a strong emotional connection, built on mutual respect.
2. They’re honest about their flaws.
It takes guts to admit imperfections, but when someone does that with you, it shows they’re not trying to put on a perfect front. They trust you to accept them for who they really are. When someone opens up about their flaws, it’s a sign that they value authenticity in your relationship. It’s a level of honesty that helps build an even stronger bond, knowing that you’re both okay with each other’s real selves.
3. They ask for your advice.
When someone asks for your opinion on important decisions, it shows they value your judgement and trust that you’ll have their best interests at heart. It also means they feel safe sharing their dilemmas with you, knowing you’ll offer guidance without judgement. This shows a lot of faith in you and reinforces the trust they’ve already placed in you.
4. They’re comfortable being themselves around you.
When someone is at ease enough to be completely themselves — whether that means being goofy, emotional, or just unfiltered — it’s a huge sign of trust. It shows they feel secure in your presence and know you’ll accept them without criticism. This kind of comfort is a big deal and a testament to the safe space you’ve created for each other in the relationship.
5. They let you borrow their stuff without freaking out about it.
It might seem small, but when someone lets you borrow something meaningful or valuable to them, like their favourite book or even their car, it’s a sign of trust. They’re showing they believe in your reliability and that you won’t misuse or lose their things. It’s not just about the item itself; it’s about their confidence in you to take care of it, which speaks volumes about how much they trust you.
6. They include you in their future plans.
When someone talks about the future and naturally includes you in their plans, it’s a strong sign that they trust you and see you as a part of their long-term life. Whether it’s planning a holiday or discussing life goals, when they include you, it shows that they see your relationship as something stable and lasting. They trust that you’re going to be a part of their future, and that’s a pretty big deal.
7. They share their insecurities with you.
Opening up about fears or self-doubt takes vulnerability, and when someone does this, they’re trusting you to listen without judgement. It shows they trust you to offer support, reassurance, and understanding. Trusting someone with these vulnerable moments deepens emotional intimacy and strengthens the bond you share, as they feel safe enough to express what scares them.
8. They value your reliability.
Trust is often shown in the little things, like when someone depends on you for help or leans on you during tough times. Whether they’re relying on you for a favour or asking for your support, it shows they trust that you’ll be there when they need you. Your consistency in showing up for them builds this trust over time, and they know they can count on you in good times and bad.
9. They don’t hide their emotions around you.
Trust also shows in how freely someone expresses their feelings. If they’re comfortable crying, venting, or laughing without holding back, it means they feel safe with you. When they don’t worry about being judged for showing their true emotions, it’s because they trust you completely. It’s a sign of a relationship where emotional honesty is welcomed, not stifled.
10. They introduce you to their inner circle.
When someone trusts you enough to introduce you to their close friends, family, or even mentors, it’s a big deal. It means they see you as an important part of their life, and they want the people they care about to know you. It’s a crystal clear sign of trust! They’re letting you into their personal world and sharing the people and relationships that matter most to them.
11. They apologise when they’re wrong.
Saying sorry isn’t always easy, but when someone does it, it shows they trust you to handle their mistakes with grace. Owning up to their faults and offering a genuine apology is an important part of maintaining a strong relationship. It’s a way of showing respect for you and the relationship, and it strengthens the trust between you both.
12. They share their achievements with you.
When someone trusts you, they want to celebrate their wins with you. Whether it’s landing a new job, finishing a big project, or just hitting a personal milestone, they want to share those moments with you because they know you’ll genuinely celebrate with them. Your support and enthusiasm reinforce their trust in you, and every time they share their successes, that bond gets a little stronger.
13. They give you constructive criticism.
When someone gives you feedback, especially if it’s something they think will help you improve, it’s a sign they trust you to take it the right way. They believe you’re capable of handling it without taking it personally. It shows they want the best for you and trust your ability to handle their honest opinions. It’s a sign of mutual respect and trust, and it helps you both grow.
14. They let you see their vulnerable moments.
Whether it’s breaking down after a tough day or opening up about their biggest fears, letting you see their vulnerable side is a huge act of trust. It means they feel safe enough to let their guard down with you. When you’re there to support them through these moments, it reinforces their trust in you and deepens your emotional connection. Being able to be vulnerable with someone is a true sign of a strong, trusting relationship.
