How To Overcome Barriers To Trust In Relationships
Trust is one of the most important aspects of a strong, healthy relationship. While it can take time to build, there are common challenges and barriers that may get in the way of helping you and your partner reach the level of trust you want.
Those barriers can look different for everyone. But, the most common obstacles include past trauma, self-esteem issues, jealousy, secrecy, and lack of communication.
Being able to work through these barriers together is the best way to overcome them. But, if you’re already struggling with trust issues, that can often feel easier said than done. So, how can you overcome barriers to trust in your relationship and feel closer to your partner?
Focus On Communication
Whether you’re trying to build trust or not, communication is key. Open communication in a relationship gives both people involved a chance to express their true feelings while developing a deeper understanding of their partner.
Vulnerability isn’t easy. But, if you’re sweeping things under the rug or keeping things from your partner for any reason, there’s going to be a wall that makes it impossible for full trust to be achieved.
Don’t be afraid to open up about yourself, and choose to be an active listener, too. By focusing on healthy communication, you’ll learn a lot about your partner and your relationship.
Dig Deeper
Getting to the core of your trust barriers is important. Maybe you had a bad relationship in the past, and it causes you to keep your partner at arm’s length now. Maybe your partner struggles with self-esteem issues and won’t be vulnerable with you.
Whatever the case, looking into these issues can make a big difference. You have to get to the root of the problem so you can work through it, both as individuals and as a couple.
Follow Through
Though communication is essential, actions speak loudly.
If you commit to something, make sure you follow through with it. That includes promises to your partner, any changes you might want to make, or even promises to yourself. Following through on the things you say you’ll do will allow trust to build in your relationship while creating some comfort and consistency.
Assume The Best
Some people tend to be more optimistic than others. When it comes to your partner, try to make the choice to “think positive” about their intentions. Remember that you’re on the same team, even if you have different approaches to things.
When you choose to view your partner in a positive light and assume their intentions are good, you’re less likely to allow the voice of doubt to creep in and make you second-guess everything. Those negative thoughts can wreak havoc on a relationship and often aren’t even centered in reality.
Talk To Someone
Again, trust can take time to build. If you’re facing a barrier or two along the way, that journey can be even longer and more grueling. Thankfully, barriers to trust aren’t something you and your partner need to tackle alone.
If you’re still having a hard time building the trust you want for your relationship, consider reaching out for help. Therapy is often a great way to better understand trust issues and where they might stem from. Maybe there’s something from your past you want to work on, personally, or something holding your relationship back that you need to address together.
Either way, therapy serves as a great way to dig deeper into those issues while providing effective strategies for how to overcome barriers to trust. If you’re ready to start this year by building a stronger foundation for your relationship, feel free to reach out and set up a consultation soon for young adult therapy.
