Daily Cascade

On Trust

Prompt: Trust
What kinds of actions or signs make you believe someone is trustworthy? And if trust is broken, how can it be rebuilt?

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Honestly speaking, I don't really know of the kinds of actions or signs that could make me believe someone is trustworthy. Possibly, someone who never lies, one would think would be trustworthy, wouldn't one? In my experience that, too, is a false positive. This is because someone who never tells a lie, once made public something I told her not to tell anyone. It wasn't anything earth-shattering but it was the possible concept of a thesis that I was about to prepare. Once the word got around, I picked a different topic and that was that!

Trust, when it is strong, involves confidence in another person’s integrity, abilities, and intentions. Trust is earned over time and once it is broken, it takes much more time to rebuild it; that's if one can, after a trust or (let's say) a heart was broken. Even if the one who has broken the trust may take full responsibility of it later, to rebuild the trust is a tough job. This is because when a trust is broken, it creates a rift.

In fact, I don't think trust, once broken can be rebuilt fully, at least as far as I am concerned. I am guessing if one wants to rebuild it, their first step could be to acknowledge it. Then an apology, a sincere one, is in order, accompanied by a sincere remorse.

The exception to this could be between two parties who are deeply involved with each other, as in a marriage. Even then, the party whose trust was broken, would need to set boundaries and expectations. It is like, "Look, you broke my trust, once. Who says I have to keep on being your friend, lover, spouse, etc.!" Only, when there are extenuating circumstances, the two parties can work on rebuilding a better trustworthy relationship.

This doesn't only go for individuals but also for governments and people. Trust is built on the belief that governments will act in the best interests of all their citizens, not any one group or any one ideal.

Lack of trust in one's government ends up pulling the rug from under economic progress, democratic governing, and social unity. When we trust our governments, we are more likely to obey the laws, pay taxes, and take part in civic life. The opposite, usually and unfortunately, leads to apathy, unrest, and rebellion.

Rebuilding trust between governments and citizens is often undercut by several issues, such as corruption, political polarization, or economic instability. Also, misinformation and media bias can add to people's distrust. This is so unfortunate for any one country!

On the plus side, when a government earns the trust of its citizens, cooperation is seamless and economic prosperity increases while social tensions ease. Still, I believe quick fixes cannot rebuild trust. Continuous effort and positive principle of good governing as well as transparency and dialogue are necessary.

Another point I think is important is that good will toward building or re-building a trust is necessary, be it the trust or the broken trust is between individuals, groups, or governments and people. I certainly hope, we can all live in a world, someday, in which we can trust one another and our governing bodies.