How often do you hear the phrase, “I don’t trust them.” It’s a phrase that says someone is unwilling to be vulnerable with someone else. It might be a temporary problem, or it could be a deeply seeded problem.

The thing is, when you say, “I don’t trust them, you’re also saying that they don’t trust yourself. It’s a no-win situation where both parties are unwilling to be vulnerable.

Trust exists when one person will allow themselves to be vulnerable. Without trust, your inability to let yourself be vulnerable will send unintentional signals to others saying that it’s unsafe to be open. Their inability to be vulnerable will confirm your worst fears and keep you from being vulnerable.

Trust starts with you. Allow yourself to be vulnerable, and others will do the same.

You’ve got this.