Making Boyfriend /Girlfriend Relationships Work 77
Trust
Trust means knowing that your boyfriend/girlfriend has your well-being in
mind. Mutual trust is when your bf/gf feels the same way. When you both act
with honesty and treat each other with respect, you know you can count on
each other. Trust is the foundation of a healthy relationship because it allows
you to feel at ease and be certain that your boyfriend/girlfriend won’t suddenly
turn against you. When you trust someone and the person is trustworthy
(deserving of your trust), there’s no need for jealousy or doubt. You’re both free
to be yourselves, which brings out the best in each of you.
Manuel has several close friends who are girls. His girl-
friend doesn’t like him hanging out with them. She says
a good boyfriend should spend his free time with his
girlfriend.Is there trust in this relationship? No. Manuel’s girlfriend seems to have
trouble trusting him. She feels the need to control him and how he spends his
time. A relationship that lacks trust isn’t growing in a healthy way.
Andrea heard through a mutual friend that her boyfriend,
Tony, asked out another girl. This friend told Andrea to
break up with Tony before he broke up with her. She
didn’t believe the rumor and talked to Tony. She found
out that none of it was true—he hadn’t asked any other
girl out.Is there trust in this relationship? Yes. Andrea trusts that Tony won’t betray
her. She doesn’t allow herself to jump to conclusions about rumors. Instead,
she talks to Tony before reacting and assuming, and her trust is confirmed. This
is a healthy sign.