Pearl Nash
Building a deep, trust-filled relationship isn’t a piece of cake. It demands emotional intelligence.
Emotional intelligence, or EQ, is about understanding your emotions and those of others. In the context of a relationship, it’s about fostering trust right from the start.
Emotionally intelligent people have a knack for this. They know just what to do to lay a strong foundation for trust in a relationship.
Here’s the lowdown on what emotionally intelligent people do at the start of a relationship to build trust.
The aim? To give you some insight, and perhaps inspiration, on how to kickstart your relationships on the right note.
1) They listen, really listen
When it comes to building trust, nothing quite beats active listening.
Emotionally intelligent people understand this. They don’t just hear words; they tune in to the emotions and subtle cues that lie beneath. This helps them grasp not just what’s being said, but also what’s being felt.
Listening actively shows respect and interest in the other person. It sends a clear message: “I value what you have to say.” This act alone can do wonders for building trust in a relationship.
The best part? It’s simple. No fancy techniques needed, just genuine attention and interest.
So the next time you’re in a conversation, try this: put away distractions, maintain eye contact, and most importantly, listen with the intention of understanding, not replying.
2) They show empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. It’s a vital component of emotional intelligence and plays a significant role in building trust in a relationship.
Did you know that our brains are actually wired for empathy? There’s a special type of neuron, called mirror neurons, that fires both when we perform an action and when we see someone else performing that action. These neurons help us to “feel” the emotions of others, boosting our empathetic response.
Emotionally intelligent people tap into this natural capacity for empathy to build stronger relationships. They make an effort to put themselves in their partner’s shoes, trying to see the world from their perspective. This fosters a deep sense of understanding and connection, which in turn, lays the foundation for trust.
3) They are reliable
Being reliable is a cornerstone of trust-building. Emotionally intelligent people understand this and make a conscious effort to keep their promises.
Whether it’s showing up on time for a date or following through on a commitment, they ensure that their actions match their words. This consistency sends a clear message to their partner: “You can count on me.”
This doesn’t mean they are perfect. Everyone slips up now and then. But when they do, they own up to it and make amends.
4) They respect boundaries
Understanding and respecting personal boundaries is a key trait of emotionally intelligent people.
They realize that everyone has their own comfort zones and limits. Whether it’s about personal space, social interactions, or emotional vulnerabilities, they make sure to respect their partner’s boundaries.
This doesn’t mean they never challenge their partner or push them to grow. But they do so with consent and consideration, ensuring their partner is comfortable with it.
Respecting boundaries shows that they value their partner’s individuality and autonomy. This not only helps to build trust but also fosters a healthy, balanced relationship.
5) They express their appreciation
Emotionally intelligent people understand the power of appreciation in building trust. They don’t take their partner for granted and make it a point to express their gratitude often.
It’s not just about saying “thank you” for big things. They appreciate the small, everyday actions too – a home-cooked meal, a supportive text message, or a simple act of kindness.
This heartfelt appreciation makes their partner feel valued and loved. It shows them that they are seen, that their efforts matter, and that they are an important part of the emotionally intelligent person’s life.
Such genuine expressions of gratitude go a long way in nurturing trust and deepening the connection in a relationship.
6) They communicate openly
Open and honest communication is the lifeblood of any strong relationship. Emotionally intelligent people know this, and they make a conscious effort to keep the lines of communication open.
I remember a time when I had to have a tough conversation with my partner. There was an issue that had been bothering me for a while, and I was afraid that bringing it up might lead to an argument. But I also knew that not addressing it would only lead to more tension.
So, I mustered up the courage and initiated the conversation. I expressed my concerns honestly, but also made sure to listen to my partner’s perspective. It was a difficult discussion, but in the end, it brought us closer together.
Through open communication, emotionally intelligent people show their willingness to resolve issues and work on the relationship. This openness fosters trust and understanding, making the relationship stronger over time.
7) They show consistency
Consistency is key when it comes to building trust. Emotionally intelligent people understand this and strive to be consistent in their actions and behavior.
They don’t flip-flop between being warm and loving one day, and cold and distant the next. Their partner doesn’t have to guess how they will react or behave on any given day.
This consistency provides a sense of stability and predictability in the relationship. It assures their partner that they can be relied upon, regardless of the situation.
By being consistent, emotionally intelligent people lay a solid foundation of trust in their relationships. This trust then serves as a strong base for a deep, meaningful connection.
8) They are authentic
At the heart of every trust-filled relationship lies authenticity. Emotionally intelligent people understand this and make it a point to be their true selves in their relationships.
They don’t put on a facade or try to be someone they’re not. Instead, they embrace their strengths, acknowledge their weaknesses, and aren’t afraid to show their vulnerabilities.
This authenticity creates a safe space for their partner to also be genuine and open. It fosters a deep sense of trust and connection, as both partners know that they are loved and accepted for who they truly are.
Final thoughts: It’s all about connection
Trust is the bedrock of any relationship – be it personal, professional, or romantic. Without trust, relationships run the risk of becoming superficial or brittle.
Emotionally intelligent people understand this and make building trust a priority from the onset of a relationship. They listen, they empathize, they communicate openly, and most importantly, they are authentic.
These are not just behaviors, but reflections of their character. They show their understanding that a relationship is not just about two people being together, but about two people connecting on a deeper level.
And in that connection lies the beauty of emotionally intelligent relationships. It’s about making ourselves vulnerable, embracing our imperfections, and yet feeling secure because we trust and are trusted in return.
So as you reflect on these points, consider how you can incorporate them into your relationships. After all, building trust is not a one-time act but a continuous process that deepens our connections with others.
