4 Strange Ways To Gain Trust
- Admit Your Small Mistakes (On Purpose)
Perfect people feel unapproachable. Admit a tiny, harmless flaw—“I still mix up left and right when giving directions” or “I burn toast 3 out of 5 mornings”—and you instantly become human. Vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s the fastest shortcut to trust.
- Repeat Back What They Didn’t Say
Listen for the unspoken: if someone says, “I’m fine, just busy,” reply, “It sounds like you’re carrying a lot right now—want to unload a little?” Paraphrasing their hidden feelings shows you’re paying attention, not just waiting to talk.
- Give Away Control (In Tiny, Specific Ways)
Trust thrives when people feel heard, not managed. Let others choose the small stuff: “Should we meet at 2 or 3 PM?” “Do you prefer coffee or tea?” Ceding minor decisions signals you respect their judgment, making them more likely to trust your bigger calls.
- Be “Unhelpfully Honest” (Kindly)
People can smell fake niceness. If a friend asks if their new haircut suits them and it doesn’t, say: “I love that you took a risk! For your face shape, I think a slightly shorter style would pop even more—want me to show you examples?” Honesty with care builds far more trust than empty praise.
Trust isn’t a skill—it’s a choice to show up, be real, and see others fully. Try one of these today, and watch how quickly connections deepen.