Trust is the central pillar supporting any real relationship. With so much at stake, be it emotions, finances, children or future goals, there needs to be implicit trust for love to fully develop. Building trust in a relationship takes hard work and commitment. Trust requires that you listen to each other and communicate your needs. Trust requires honesty above all else. Once you’ve built trust, you’ve done something magical, and you should do everything in your power to keep it if you plan on maintaining your relationship.

In order to know what it is your partner needs to feel safe, you have to listen to what they’re telling you. What matters most may not always be overt, such as a blanket statement that all ex-girlfriends are off limits. It may be something subtle, like a statement from your boyfriend that he would never consider going out or meeting up with an ex-girlfriend, as it wouldn’t be fair to you. That might be his way of letting you know that you should consider canceling that lunch date you made with 'Jimmy the underwear model.' Listen to the people closest to you and you might be surprised what you hear. A good ear goes a long way to building the trust you seek.

"People notice if you’re constantly checking out other guys or girls when you’re out together or you constantly chat about a particular relationship from your past."

There’s no use beating around the bush when it comes to creating a strong relationship. The example above about subtle suggestions signaling more than just casual conversation is a good example of something you might face in a relationship, but it’s not a tactic you want to employ when trying to build trust in a relationship. You need to communicate your points effectively. Be forward about your needs and expectations. Let people know what you’re going to do—and then do it. Trust takes time, but if you communicate effectively you’ll have a stronger foundation to build on.

Any article on trust should mention jealousy. This is often the central concern when it comes to trust in relationships. You can’t build trust if you’re constantly out with your ex or spending a lot of time apart from your person you're trying to build trust with. People notice if you’re constantly checking out other guys or girls when you’re out together or you constantly chat about a particular relationship from your past. By listening to the needs of others and communicating your feelings, you can combat the negative effects of jealousy. Just make sure not to overlook how someone else might feel. Put yourself in their shoes and see how comfortable you feel. Trust takes time, energy and some really soft soles to help you travel the distance.

Resources for building trust in relationships:

Quotations on Trust: A look at what others have said about trust

Do you trust him?: A look at trusting men from woman’s perspective

Building trust in a marriage: How to ensure you keep the most important relationship of your life safe