Trust is something you can’t buy. It’s mostly because it appears in the habits that people rarely think about, and when someone feels genuinely safe with you, their guard drops in ways you may not recognize.
Here are twelve behaviours that people only show when they truly trust someone. Each one is scientifically backed. Which one do you do around your loved ones?
They share risky emotions without filtering
People who genuinely trust you know that they don’t have to always share the polished version of themselves. They’re okay with opening up about uncomfortable feelings. They’ll hide such feelings around others because they’re afraid of being misunderstood.
But research shows that they’ll be vulnerable with their emotions & take risks because they trust you’ll be there for them.
They relax into shared silence
Silence causes problems for lots of people. However, not for those who actually trust each other. Researchers call such silence “relational silence,” and it’s a conscious sort of quiet.
You’ll usually only find it among people who really trust each other. They’re okay to wait in line together in complete quiet because they recognize that not every silence needs to be filled.
They tease you gently inside known limits
Trusting another person completely means that you’re not afraid to push the boundaries a little. You won’t exactly fall apart over a joke from the other person because you have a shared history.
In fact, research shows that soft teasing tends to only happen among those in a close relationship. These people know that the other person will understand their intentions.
They ask you to do things for them
It shouldn’t be a surprise that someone who trusts you fully will give you tasks they’d never normally delegate to others. They might ask you to sort something out or handle something they’re stressed about. That’s important.
According to studies, asking someone to take on a request is often a sign that you trust their judgment. And, in turn, you trust them.
They leave their devices around casually
You’ll only leave your phone lying around when you’re not worried about being judged. Numerous studies have found that those with a more relaxed attitude to their belongings are usually in more trusting relationships.
Each person respects the other’s privacy. They don’t require constant reminders to make sure things are okay. They trust that they are.
They admit small mistakes fast
Do you know anybody who openly admits that they’ve made a mistake? That person probably trusts you quite a bit.
Apology-pattern studies have found that early honesty happens more frequently when people believe the other person won’t hold mistakes over their head. They trust the fact that you’ll accept them at their word.
They talk out loud while still undecided
You’ll likely hear them talking out loud. They’ll mention plans they’re unsure about & worries they haven’t figured out yet because they recognize you won’t judge them for it.
It’s something that research also backs up. Having open-ended thinking is something people often reserve for those whom they feel emotionally safe around and therefore trust.
They say “no” clearly and early
Trusting another person doesn’t equal losing your boundaries. No, relationship studies have found that people who are able to be more direct about their limits are more likely to trust the other person.
They don’t feel guilty about expecting respect. Instead, they merely trust that you care about them enough to understand when to stop pushing back.
They let you see them fall apart
A person who trusts you may cry or freeze up. They might simply sit quietly while they try to calm down, without any attempts to hide their feelings from you, and it’s something research on co-regulation has also found.
People rely on those they trust when they’re breaking down. They’re overwhelmed, and they know you’ll be there for them as soon as it gets too much.
They share good news right away
You’ll be the first one to hear about their good news. It could be the small things, like someone complimenting them, or perhaps something larger, like a project going down well.
Either way, studies show that people share positive news more freely with those whom they feel close to. They think you understand them & want you to share in their joy.
They stop staging themselves or their space for you
Pay attention to the way they treat their room. Do they avoid their usual routine of tidying up & simply let you see things as they are?
It’s because they’re not worried about presenting anything to you, something that research notes is quite common with people who trust others. These sorts of people feel safe with the person in front of them.
They get sleepy around you without fighting it
As soon as they start to feel tired, they’re happy to drift off beside you. They won’t bother fighting their heavy eyelids.
Studies on sleep & social safety indicate that people who relax enough to get drowsy around another person are very likely to trust them. Essentially, they don’t feel like they need to stay alert.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.