The 6 stages of trust in every relationship

The 6 Stages of Trust

Stage 1: Connection

We’re drawn to someone and feel a “connection” which propels us to start the process of building a relationship (whether a romantic relationship, a friendship, a business relationship/partnership, etc). The connection motivates us to invest the time necessary

Stage 2: Caution*

We cautiously start to pursue the possibility of trust in this fledgling relationship. We start creating opportunities where we can observe this person’s character in action and allow them to view the same in us. We’re careful to proceed with caution and patience, because the process of building trust is delicate and it requires time.

*Whenever trust is broken in a relationship, we must always return to this second stage and proceed with caution to allow trust to be rebuilt through the remaining stages. Remember that FORGIVENESS and TRUST are two different things. Forgiveness should be given freely because grace can’t be earned, but trust can’t be given freely; it can only be earned.

#3 is the MOST important ingredient to building or rebuilding trust…