20 Ways to Build Trust with Others

Trust is like glass. Once broken it’s nearly impossible to piece back together perfectly.

We’ve all felt the sting of broken trust. It’s a painful experience that can make us guarded and hesitant to open up again. But we can’t live a full life without it. Trust is the foundation of every meaningful relationship we have with our family our friends and even with ourselves. It’s the invisible thread that connects us.

For a long time I struggled with trust mostly because I wasn’t a very trustworthy person. I was stuck in a cycle of bad habits. Gaming addiction binge eating and laziness ruled my days. I’d make promises to myself and to others that I couldn’t keep. I’d say I would start a diet tomorrow or finish a project by the end of the day but my actions never matched my words. How could anyone trust me when I couldn’t even trust myself?

Rebuilding my life and losing over 110 pounds wasn’t just about changing my physical habits. It was about learning to be a man of my word. It was about rebuilding trust from the ground up one small consistent action at a time. It’s not easy but it’s possible for anyone. Here are 20 ways you can start building stronger more genuine trust with the people in your life.

The Foundation of Trust

These are the core principles. Think of them as the concrete slab you pour before building a house. Without them nothing else will stand for long.

1. Be Honest. This sounds simple but it’s often hard. Honesty isn’t just about not telling lies. It’s about being truthful even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s about representing situations accurately without exaggerating or leaving out key details. People can sense when you’re not being fully transparent.

2. Keep Your Promises. Your word is your bond. When you say you will do something do it. If you can’t make sure you communicate that as soon as possible. When I started my health journey my first promise was a small one. Just walk for 15 minutes a day. Keeping that small promise to myself built the momentum I needed to keep bigger ones. The same is true with others. Start small and prove you are reliable.

3. Be Consistent. People trust what is predictable. If your mood your behavior and your values are all over the place people won’t know what to expect. Consistency shows that you are stable and that your character is solid.

4. Be Yourself. Don't try to be someone you're not. Authenticity is magnetic. People trust what feels real. When you’re comfortable in your own skin it gives others permission to be themselves around you creating a space for genuine connection.

5. Admit When You're Wrong. This is a big one. Nothing builds trust faster than humility. Saying "I was wrong and I'm sorry" isn't a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength and self-awareness. It shows you value the relationship more than your ego.

Actions That Build Bridges

Trust isn't just about what you believe. It's about what you do. Your actions are the proof.

6. Listen More Than You Speak. Most people listen with the intent to reply not to understand. When someone is talking give them your full attention. Put your phone away. Make eye contact. Ask clarifying questions. When people feel heard they feel valued and that is a direct path to trust.

7. Don't Gossip. If someone shares private information about another person with you it's a test. If you engage you fail. If you refuse to participate or change the subject you pass. People who gossip with you will also gossip about you. Be a safe place where reputations are protected not torn down.

8. Keep Secrets. When someone confides in you they are giving you a piece of their trust. Guard it carefully. Being a confidant is a sacred role. Don’t break that confidence for a moment of attention.

9. Give Without Expecting Anything Back. True generosity is about giving your time your energy or your help without a hidden agenda. When you help someone move or offer a word of encouragement without wanting anything in return it shows your character.

10. Celebrate Their Wins. Be genuinely happy for people when they succeed. Envy and jealousy are trust killers. When you celebrate with others it shows you are on their team not in competition with them.

11. Offer Help Proactively. Don't always wait to be asked. If you see a friend is struggling offer to help. "I noticed you seem stressed lately. Is there anything I can do to take something off your plate?" This kind of awareness shows you care deeply.

12. Respect Boundaries. Everyone has limits. Pay attention to them. If someone says they need space give it to them. If they aren’t comfortable talking about a certain topic don't push it. Respecting boundaries shows you respect them as a person.

Communication That Connects

How you communicate can either build a wall or a bridge. Choose your words and your tone carefully.

13. Speak Clearly and Directly. Avoid passive-aggressive comments or dropping hints. Say what you mean. Clear communication prevents misunderstandings which are often the source of broken trust.

14. Be Vulnerable (Appropriately). You don't have to share your deepest secrets with everyone. But sharing your struggles with the right people can build powerful bonds. When I started opening up about my past with addiction it was scary. But it allowed others to see me as a human being not just a success story. It showed them they could be real with me too.

15. Don't Judge. Create a safe space for people. When friends know they can come to you with their mistakes and their fears without being judged they will trust you completely. Listen with empathy not with a critical spirit.

16. Follow Up. After a deep conversation or after someone shares a struggle with you follow up a few days later. A simple text like "Hey I was thinking about our chat the other day. How are you doing?" shows that you were truly listening and that you genuinely care.

17. Ask for Help. This might seem backward but asking for help shows you trust someone else. It lets them know you value their skills their opinion or their strength. It makes them feel needed and respected which in turn strengthens their trust in you.

When Trust is Tested

No relationship is perfect. There will be times when trust is strained or broken. How you handle these moments is what matters most.

18. Forgive Others. Holding a grudge is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. It destroys you from the inside out and it makes it impossible to rebuild trust. Forgiveness is a choice to let go of the right to get even. It’s a gift you give yourself as much as the other person. My faith has been a huge part of learning how to do this.

19. Trust Others First. Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith. Be willing to extend trust to people. Yes you might get hurt sometimes. But you can't build meaningful connections if you keep everyone at arm's length. Give people a chance to prove themselves worthy of your trust.

20. Apologize and Make Amends. If you are the one who breaks trust a simple "sorry" isn't enough. A true apology has three parts: "I'm sorry for [specific action]." "This was wrong because [how it affected them]." "What can I do to make it right?" Then you must follow through on making it right.

Building trust is a marathon not a sprint. It’s a daily practice built on hundreds of small choices. It won’t always be easy but it will always be worth it. The deepest and most rewarding parts of life are found in the relationships we build on a solid foundation of trust.

So my question for you is this: What is one small action you can take this week to build trust with someone important in your life?