10 Phrases To Build Trust In Your Relationship
Remember that old saying "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" that was repeated over and over in your early school day's playground? Yes, that's the one. Ever found it to be true? No, us neither. As it turns out, words can be the most hurtful weapon of all when they fall into the wrong hands and are used against us in moments of emotional dispute.
The words we use within our relationships are integral to the health and happiness of our shared wellbeing. If you speak badly to your partner, you are going to create an environment of hurt and potential retaliation that will only lead to further harm. Harsh words have a way of hanging around long after any attempt to take them back.
Conversely, our use of language can be a great connector!
There's a reason why the greatest love stories are filled with poetry and beautifully phrased sentiment. There is also a reason why we love the classic scenes of our favorite movies - it's all in the power of the words that are shared when torn apart characters unite, or someone finally offers up their vulnerability to another person.
You don't need to be the next Shakespeare to express yourself to your partner.
In fact, you don't need to be anyone but your brilliant self. You only need to be you - exactly as you already are. No more, no less. Being your true self and offering up some vulnerability is all you need to be able to connect and communicate with your partner in ways you might not have explored yet!
Here are 10 Phrases To Build Trust In Your Relationship:
"I believe in you." The 4 glorious words that every child seeks from a parent, right? The 4 words that can make or break self-belief in a person. Sure, we are all responsible for our own journeys and individual ambitions. But my goodness does it feel good to know someone's cheerleading you on from the sidelines.
"I've got you." Consider this particular phrase a sturdily built brick house when a storm occurs. Consider how it would feel to be wrapped up warm and cozy within a structure like this as you listen to the rains hammer down on the roof, and the winds howl past the windows. This is the literary equivalent.
"I hear you." When was the last time someone - not just your partner - sat and listened to what you had to say without their eyes glancing down at a notification on their phone? We've all been there. We're also all guilty of it at times. Set distractions aside and assure your partner you're genuinely listening.
"I forgive you." We all mess up, and we all do stupid things when we are tired/hungry/mad/anything else in between! There are some mistakes in life that can be considered a relationship deal-breaker. But for everything else, work to move past them. Let go of any need to keep score on wrongdoing - it will only hurt you both later on.
"We will work this out." Amongst a fight or any kind of confrontation, hearing these words can make a world of difference to how you're feeling. Disputes tend to make us feel very isolated, which can contribute to us becoming all the more defensive. Let your partner know you're willing to find a resolution.
"You're safe." Sure, we're all adults now. But that doesn't mean we feel big and brave all of the time - or even some of the time, depending on what's happening in our lives. Your partner should be your teammate as much as anything. Let them know you're there to protect them.
"I'm not going anywhere." You might be surprised at how much this simple sentence can help to build trust between you. Gently add this into conversations about your future together, especially if your partner is at all insecure as a result of their previous experiences.
"I need a moment, but I'm coming back." When things get intense, it's perfectly okay to step out and gather your thoughts. Doing so will help you see things more clearly and keep the situation from escalating. Make sure you reassure your partner you will return, so they can feel safe in the current moment.
"Should we get some food?" There is an extraordinary amount of disagreements and crosswords that could be avoided from you both staying fuelled with good food! It's not just toddlers who get bad-tempered when they haven't eaten. Plus, sharing some food can be a bonding experience amongst stressful times.
"I love you." The golden sentence, and the most important of this full list of 10. Don't forget to say this loud and proud as often as you can. Don't neglect it in your assumption that your partner already knows it. It's a track that never gets old!
Did you find these sentences simpler than you were expecting? Did you arrive on this article page expecting something fancier, or more complicated? The thing is, we often trip ourselves up by looking for more where is no real need. Modern culture has conditioned us to value the complex.
Reader, all you need is love.
Stop seeking complexity and start nurturing your ability to communicate effectively - and supportively. Your partner doesn't need or want extravagant expressions of poetry or to be bombarded with sonnets, here. They need you to open up, and to be able to express your love and support for them in the moments they feel unsure.
This is all the poetry you'll ever need.
Absorb these 10 sentences into your heart and consider them your personal toolkit to communicating effectively with your loved one. They will be more grateful to hear these words than you might ever have imagined.