Are you taking trust for granted?

Trust is most definitely something that is gained and not something that should be taken for granted. As for me, I try to be a truthful person so that I can gain trust from the people around me, but it doesn't always work. There are times in our lives that we are inadvertantly not truthful with those around us and those are the things that set us back. When someone begins to lose trust in you, it is difficult to regain that trust, but it is also something that is possible to do.

It is not easy, but I like to trust the process of life itself because when we have mistrust we are tense and stressful. I know things can hard from time to time, but I try and look at these times as periods of learning - there is always a lesson there somewhere. To trust completely - not stupidly - is to feel at ease with life. As a Zen practitioner for the past 30 years, my life is about learning to trust the process of life - there is no tomorrow and yesterday has gone, as you quite rightly point out. There is only now, and that is immediately gone. So time is a temporary illusion - nothing is forever, and I guess as human beings with our crazy thinking processes that ultimately mean nothing, that is a hard lesson to learn. But if we had learned it completely, there would be no need for us to be here learning it on a day-to-day basis.. - Derek

Yes. I was in a habit of taking my girlfriend for granted. That is exactly what I used to do and used to behave in that way. Such was our familiarity and love for each other that I really thought that my girlfriend would always trust me come what may. But I misread her and actually misread myself. But things took an ugly turn one day and things hottened up. I could not understand as to why she had not trusted me on that count. You are right that life is a long journey can one can never ever predict the future. But the more important thing is that one can never predict a person's behaviour. The person you see daily, the person you meet daily too can at times act weird. Why that, you cannot even predict your parents' behaviour. I learnt a lesson from that day on - when I broke up with my girlfriend due to that trust and mistrust - that don't trust anyone except God. Because He is the only one who never betrays you, even if you do. I too had to undergo a lot of pains and all such things to keep my love going. But ultimately I could not do away with the unprecidented and finally I broke up.

For me trust is very important in me because me as of my own I feel that others would trust in me and what will be happy about me the first is my GOD Jehovah and the second is my parents that they proud of me by doing that.

It's a sad thing but I believe that life is now, present. Our past just influence our decision now, but we take control at present. But to ignore the relationships we had and have built is indeed a foolish thing to do. To have a trust worthy companion is a great joy in life and you should appreciate it because it's actually a strong foundation in your life. Take it for granted and you'll break apart soon or later.

For me, trust is very important in all types of relationship whether it is a parent and child relationship, friendship, romantic, teacher and student, etc. Where there is no trust then their will be no foundation for a strong relationship. If a relationship does not have a foundation then it will not be strong enough to face and overcome any trials. When a trust is lost then the foundation will be destroyed which will cause a damaged relationship. However, I believe a trust can be rebuilt if the person is sincere to gain it back. People make mistakes and I believe it is just right to give them a second chance. However, second chance is enough. There would be no more third or fourth chance for me once I've already given the person a second chance. I trusted my husband so much and that was enough for me to forgive him when he did something that has damaged our relationship and my trust to him. I gave him a second chance and I can say that he is worth it. :)

this is a very good discussion. you have laid out very neat context. as we know, trust is gained. this may come though hard work of showing trustworthiness to the other, or showing one's true character. once gained, one has set a strong image that s/he is trustworthy. that is the time that one takes for granted trust of the other. since one has worked hard for it, it will take time to lose it. so one takes it for granted.