When trust dies in a relationship

Have you ever been in a relationship devoid of trust? Did it ultimately break down because you simply couldn't confide in your partner?

When trust evaporates in a relationship, it becomes very difficult -- if not impossible -- to restore.

Trust is as integral to a relationship as honesty, love, communication, kindness, and loyalty.

Trusting the other person is our decision, but it is their choice to value our trust and demonstrate that they're deserving of it.

If you have to play detective in your relationship, then the trust just isn't there.

If you have to second-guess their every move because they keep you on edge all the time, trust is non-existent.

It is at that point that one must do whatever is necessary to build or restore it, or simply call the relationship quits.

Here are just some of the ways trust in a partner can cease to exist:

They lie to us. This can take a host of forms (e.g., cheating, feigning their love, etc.)

They steal from us.

They're abusive.

They refuse to seek counseling, whether for relationship problems or drug/addiction issues.

Even if they reluctantly agree to counseling, they stick to their old habits.

Without trust, a relationship will eventually crumble. It is no surprise that once a partner's infidelity comes to light, both people face terribly long odds in getting the relationship back on track.

Not to mention that if one partner steals from or raises their hand against the other, the victim will always fear repeat incidents, no matter how emphatic the offender's apologies.

Trust is like an eraser: It gets smaller and smaller with every lie or misdeed.

Trust is the fruit of a relationship in which two people genuinely love, respect, and bring the best out in each other.

There are three things that should never be broken in a relationship: (1) the person's heart (2) promises, and (3) trust.

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