"Relationship Tuesday" I Have Trust Issues?

Everyone has uncertainty about whom to trust, how much to trust, when not to trust, and so forth at one time or another. In fact, every day we make choices about whom and how much to trust, and sometimes we are more willing to trust than at other times. That’s a good thing; a total lack of mistrust would indicate a serious psychological problem. Judgments about when and whom to trust help keep us safe and alive! 

Where Do Trust Issues Come From?

Often, issues with trust arise based on experiences and interactions in the early phases of life, primarily childhood. A person who did not receive adequate nurturing, affection, and acceptance or who was abuse, violated, or mistreated as a child will often find difficulty in establishing trust as an adult. Likewise, adolescent experiences of either social rejection or social rejection or acceptance may shape a person’s ability to trust those around him or her. For instance, if someone is mocked, teased, or treated by his or her peers during the teenage years, this will influence later relationships. Being betrayed or belittled by others impacts self-esteem which also plays a significant role in a person’s capacity to trust. Basically, those who experience low self-esteem will be less likely to put their trust in those around them than those who are more self-assured.