Trust is the act of placing confidence in someone or something else. It is a fundamental human experience. Trust is necessary for society to function. It can play a large role in happiness. Without it, fear rules. Trust is not an either/or proposition, but a matter of degree. Some life experiences can impact a person’s ability to trust others.
DO I HAVE TRUST ISSUES? COMMON SIGNS
Everyone has uncertainty about whom to trust and how much. It is not always clear when trust is appropriate. People make choices about whom and how much to trust every day. We are more willing to trust at some times than others. That is a good thing. A total lack of mistrust would be a serious problem. But judgments about when and whom to trust help keep us safe and alive.
Signs a person may be excessively mistrustful include:
Lack of intimacy or friendships
Mistrust that interferes with a relationship
Dramatic and stormy relationships
Suspicion or anxiety about friends and family
Terror during physical intimacy
Belief that others are deceptive or malevolent without evidence
Sometimes mistrust plays a dominant role in a person’s life. Past disappointment or betrayal may be at the root of the issue. Mistrust is a valid response to feeling betrayed or abandoned. But pervasive feelings of mistrust can negatively impact a person’s life. This can result in anxiety, anger, or self-doubt. Fortunately, people can relearn trust. Working with a therapist can aid this process.