[Road...runner]

So is trust (in a relationship)something that's given or earned? Seems to me like a lot of people give trust and once its broken that's it or is trust something that's earned over time and more so actions? Thanks :)

[Fr_Chuck]

It is normally given or assumed. If trust is broken one can never take back or undo the action and can't really ever be earned back, it has to be given again.

[talaniman]

You give some, and they earn most of it. Trust, but verify. Blind trust can bite you in the butt.

[frangipanis]

I give trust at the outset because it makes me a happier person. I trust others without wanting to give away too much of my power until I get to know them better. That's because it takes time to know what values someone considers important and how well they live up to their standards. People have to earn my trust if they want to share a meaningful part of my life.

It's good to ask how you judge someone to be trustworthy. I look for someone who keeps their word, is mostly reliable so I know I can count on them, are supportive, values kindness, honesty, fidelity and generosity. It's easy to get on a soap box and profess high standards, harder to live up to at times and sometimes we make mistakes and fall into an abyss, so humility, acceptance, forgiveness and the willingness to keep striving for balance are also important qualities I look for in a friend.