Prevent a Breakdown in Trust

After coming home from a 9-month stint abroad for work, I was going through the mail and saw a bill I'd never seen before. I opened with and imagine my surprise when I noticed it was for a mortgage! He'd bought a house, while I was working abroad for nine months. I didn't know what to say! I felt betrayed. And in one instant, the trust was broken. That moment was the beginning of the end.

When Trust disappears in a marriage, couples typically:

1. Split up
2. Work to understand and rebuild
3. Pretend everything's fine while knowing it's over

I chose the third option, eventually leading to divorce.

Conventional Trust-Building Methods

1. Open communication: The cornerstone of Trust
2. Honesty and transparency: Take risks with your partner
3. Keeping promises: Show up as you say you will

Unconventional Ideas to Prevent Trust Breakdown

Empathic Sharing

We discuss uncomfortable topics as they naturally arise during casual conversations. This approach allows us to address issues without emotional charge, fostering understanding instead of judgment. We gain insights into our patterns and triggers, helping us avoid future hurt.

Power Couple World Domination Weekend

We dedicate a few days a quarter to openly discussing our dreams, ideas, feelings, and ambitions. We envision our future together, addressing our relationship's positive and negative aspects. This creates a safe space to talk about our lives and partnership.

Weekly Check-ins

We recently implemented regular check-ins to discuss finances, review the week, and plan for the future. We focus on supporting each other and expressing our needs. The key is emotional vulnerability, which strengthens trust more than many realize.

Making It Work

Establish ground rules:

• Keep an open heart; don't take things personally
• Try to see things from your partner's perspective
• Share even the most difficult things

These unconventional methods complement traditional trust-building approaches. Open communication, honesty, and keeping our commitments are essential for these exercises to be effective.

Final Words

Thanks to the lessons I've learned, my current relationship is vastly different from my previous one. Finding what works for you is crucial. Experiment with different approaches, and remember that building trust is an ongoing process requiring effort and commitment from both partners.

The results can be truly magical if you're willing to invest in your relationship. Trust must be continuously nurtured, but the rewards of a strong, trusting partnership are immeasurable.