Having trust in your partner is a pillar of a healthy relationship. But sometimes this trust can be broken, whether it be infidelity, secrecy, emotional disconnection, or conflict.
When trust has been broken, even small things can suddenly feel significant. A delayed text, a change in routine, or an unanswered question can bring back feelings of hurt or uncertainty.
This can leave you feeling lonely, not even knowing where to begin.
Rebuilding Trust in a Relationship: 7 Ways To Explore
Here are 7 ways to rebuild trust in your relationship:
Acknowledge What Happened
Naming what broke the trust in your relationship can help prevent any minimization of the problem. Communicating about the broken trust openly allows each partner to express their feelings and unique experiences of what happened. This can set the relationship up to work towards healing and mending the broken trust.
Take Responsibility
Communicating that you have heard how your actions have hurt your partner can prevent any further blaming. It allows the partner who broke the trust to acknowledge their role in the relationship rupture without making excuses.
Communicate Openly and Honestly
Being able to express feelings, concerns, and ask questions freely can be one of the ways of rebuilding trust in a relationship. When thoughts and feelings are being bottled up, conflict and secrecy can arise, further rupturing the relationship. Creating a new standard of open communication can be uncomfortable to begin, but can result in a healthier relationship.
Establish Expectations and Be Consistent
Keeping lines of communication open and honest is just the starting point. Making this a routine in the relationship is what helps mend the broken trust. Each relationship will require a unique way of open communication, but establishing expectations early on can help prevent conflict and create a space of mutual understanding.
Some examples include following through on commitments, communicating when plans change, respecting boundaries, sharing emotions with one another, and willingness to ask and answer questions.
Give the Hurt Partner Space
Sometimes old feelings of betrayal and hurt can arise. It is important not to push the partner to “get over it,” but rather allow the physical and emotional space they need to heal. This can correlate with the newly established boundaries previously discussed.
Reconnect
While rebuilding trust is important, establishing boundaries and practicing honest communication should not be the only means of interaction in the relationship. Remember to have fun together! Whether that means planning date nights, watching your favourite show, or going on walks, make sure that you’re spending quality time together.
Know When to Seek Help
Sometimes taking these steps does not always mend the trust right away. Trust is a delicate and important part of a relationship, and sometimes advice from a professional can help get your relationship back on track. Consider couples therapy or
Get Support When Rebuilding Trust In A Relationship
The team of relationship therapists at Rebound Total Health works with clients who need support in rebuilding trust in a relationship, improving communication, navigating conflict, and reconnecting with their partner. Therapy can provide a supportive space to better understand what happened, work through difficult emotions, and develop healthier ways of moving forward together.
If your relationship has been affected by broken trust and you are unsure what to do next, you do not have to work through it alone. Contact Rebound Total Health to learn more about couples therapy and how our team can support you and your partner.
Set up a consultation with us at Rebound Total Health. We offer in-person sessions in our Hamilton (Dundas) location, and online therapy sessions in Ontario.
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