Ava Sinclair
Trustworthiness isn’t about grand gestures or empty promises. It’s about consistent behaviors.
It’s the small, everyday actions that tell you if someone is genuinely trustworthy.
Trustworthy people don’t just talk the talk, they walk the walk. And if you pay attention, you’ll see some consistent behaviors that set them apart.
In this article, we’ll dive into the 8 behaviors that signal someone is genuinely trustworthy.
So stick around if you want to know what to look for in a truly trustworthy person.
1) They’re consistent
Consistency is the hallmark of a genuinely trustworthy person.
It’s easy to be trustworthy in a single moment or during a single event. But maintaining that trustworthiness day in, day out? That’s where the real challenge lies.
Genuinely trustworthy people are reliable. You can count on them to do what they say they’re going to do. And they do it consistently, no matter how big or small the task.
Consistency creates predictability, and predictability builds trust. It’s as simple as that.
So if you’re trying to figure out if someone is genuinely trustworthy, start by observing their consistency. If their actions match their words consistently, you’re dealing with someone who values trust and acts accordingly.
Remember, trust isn’t a one-time thing. It’s built and maintained through consistent actions over time.
2) They’re open and transparent
Openness and transparency are vital components of trustworthiness. Let me share a personal anecdote to illustrate this.
A few years back, I worked with a colleague we can call Steve. Steve was always open about his plans and thoughts. Whether it was about a project deadline or a casual lunch plan, he always communicated clearly and without any hidden agendas.
One day, we were working on a critical project with a tight deadline. Due to some unforeseen circumstances, Steve realized he wouldn’t be able to complete his part on time. Instead of making excuses or hiding the fact, he immediately communicated the issue to the team.
His openness not only helped us adjust our plans accordingly but also reinforced our trust in him. We knew that Steve was someone who would always be upfront with us, no matter the situation.
In my experience, this kind of transparency is a sure sign of a genuinely trustworthy person. They don’t hide things or leave you guessing. They communicate openly, honestly, and directly. And that makes all the difference in building trust.
3) They admit when they’re wrong
Let’s face it, admitting when you’re wrong isn’t easy. It takes a lot of humility and courage to accept your mistakes and apologize. Yet, this is a behavior that genuinely trustworthy people display consistently.
Interestingly, a study conducted by the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people who are more willing to admit their mistakes are perceived as more likeable and trustworthy.
Trustworthy individuals understand that nobody is perfect and that making mistakes is part of being human. What sets them apart is their ability to own up to their errors, apologize, and make things right.
When someone readily admits when they’re wrong and doesn’t shy away from apologizing, it’s a pretty clear sign of their trustworthiness.
4) They keep confidences
Trustworthy people understand the value of secrets shared with them and respect the trust you’ve placed in them by not divulging that information.
They don’t gossip or share confidential information. When you tell them something in confidence, you can rest assured knowing your secret is safe with them.
This behavior is a cornerstone of trust. Being able to trust someone with sensitive information and knowing they won’t use it against you or share it with others builds a strong bond of trust.
So, if a person consistently respects your confidences, you can assume they’re genuinely trustworthy.
5) They show empathy
Trustworthy people aren’t just reliable or transparent – they’re also empathetic.
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s the emotional bridge that connects people and deepens trust.
I’ve found that trustworthy people are those who can step outside of their own experiences to truly feel what you’re going through. They listen without judgment, offer support, and show kindness even in the most difficult moments.
When someone shows genuine empathy towards you, it sends a powerful message. It tells you they care about your feelings and experiences. And when someone cares for you in this way, it’s far easier to place your trust in them.
A person who consistently shows empathy is likely someone you can trust.
6) They’re loyal even when it’s hard
Loyalty is a trait that’s often tested during difficult times.
A few years ago, I found myself in a challenging professional situation. A project I was leading had hit a major roadblock, and things were looking bleak. There was tension within the team, and blame was being thrown around.
In the midst of all this, one person stood firmly by my side – my colleague Sarah. Despite the criticism and the pressure from others, she defended me and our project. Her loyalty, especially during such a difficult time, was a clear testament to her trustworthiness.
Trustworthy people are loyal. They stick by you through thick and thin and don’t abandon you when things get tough. Their loyalty isn’t conditional or fair-weathered; it’s steadfast and unwavering.
So if you see someone standing by your side even when things get tough, you can be pretty sure that they’re genuinely trustworthy.
7) They’re honest, but tactful
Truthfulness is a non-negotiable trait of trustworthy people. They tell the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient.
But there’s a fine line between being brutally honest and tactfully truthful. Trustworthy people know how to navigate this line. They deliver the truth in a way that’s considerate and respectful, not harsh or hurtful.
They understand that honesty isn’t about bluntly stating facts without regard for others’ feelings. It’s about communicating truthfully while also being mindful of how the message is received.
So, if someone consistently tells you the truth in a considerate and respectful manner, it’s a pretty good sign they’re genuinely trustworthy.
8) Their actions match their words
In the end, trustworthiness comes down to one simple, yet powerful thing: alignment between words and actions.
Trustworthy people don’t just say what you want to hear. They say what they mean, and they mean what they say. And most importantly, their actions back up their words.
If someone promises to do something, they follow through. If they say they believe in something, their actions reflect that belief. This congruence between words and actions is the cornerstone of trust.
Are you wondering whether someone is genuinely trustworthy? Pay attention to this alignment.
Do their actions consistently match their words? If the answer is yes, you’ve got a genuinely trustworthy person on your hands.
Reflection: Trust is a journey, not a destination
As we navigate our relationships, we keep coming back to the importance of trust. It’s the glue that holds relationships together, and it’s something that takes time to build and effort to maintain.
The behaviors we’ve discussed here – consistency, openness, admittance of wrongs, confidentiality, empathy, loyalty, truthfulness, and congruity of words and actions – are all signs of a genuinely trustworthy person.
But remember, no one is perfect. We all have moments when we fall short in displaying these behaviors. It’s our willingness to acknowledge those shortcomings and strive to do better that truly counts.
Trust is a journey, not a destination. It’s the ongoing effort to be reliable, honest, and considerate that makes us trustworthy in the eyes of others.
So as you reflect on these behaviors and what trust means to you, remember that trust isn’t just about finding trustworthy people. It’s also about striving to be one ourselves.
After all, as the saying goes — “Trust is like a mirror, you can fix it if it’s broken, but you can still see the crack in that reflection.”
