Trust is like the foundation of a house.

It's what holds everything together in a relationship. But sometimes, that foundation can start to feel shaky, especially when trust issues creep in.

So, what are trust issues, and why do they matter and why do they leave you wondering “Why can’t I trust my girlfriend?”

Understanding Trust Issues

Defining Trust Issues

Trust issues are like little cracks in that foundation of trust. They can make you doubt your partner, feel anxious, or even question the entire relationship.

Trust is about believing in someone's reliability, honesty, and integrity, so when trust issues pop up, it's like those beliefs are being tested.

So if you’ve felt these trust issues with your girlfriend specifically, it’s certainly something worth looking into. Maybe you find yourself constantly questioning her actions or worrying about what she's doing when you're not around — both of which are classic signs of trust issues.

How Trust Issues Can Develop

Before investigating how to work on your trust issues, it’s important to learn how your trust issues develop. Trust issues can develop from:

• Past experiences, such as being hurt or betrayed before

• Toxic or unhealthy communication patterns

• External influences, like jealousy or rumours

Signs of Trust Issues

Trust issues often make themselves known through a few different signs, and recognizing them is essential for addressing them.

Behavioural Signs

Observable behaviours can be significant indicators of trust issues, like if you find yourself Googling “how to trust my girlfriend” or constantly feeling jealous or constantly monitoring your girlfriend's actions.

Similarly, secretive or defensive behaviour in a relationship can signal underlying trust issues, like if your girlfriend becomes defensive or evasive when you ask simple questions about her day. These behaviours can manifest in day-to-day interactions, creating tension and distance between partners.

Emotional Signs

Emotional manifestations of trust issues can also be telling. If you’re constantly thinking “I don’t trust my girlfriend but I love her,” you might be triggered by past emotions or your girlfriend’s emotional signs.

You might have had past traumas, like being cheated on in a previous relationship, which can exacerbate these feelings and make it harder to trust again. Or, you might know that your girlfriend has a past as well, which might also feel like it’s triggering trust issues.

Factors Influencing Trust in a Relationship: “Why Don’t I Trust My Girlfriend?”

Trust in a relationship is influenced by various factors, each playing a significant role in shaping the dynamic between partners.

Past Experiences

Our past relationships and experiences serve as a foundation for our current trust dynamics.

Whether it's being hurt in previous relationships or childhood attachment patterns, these experiences can significantly impact how we trust in a relationship. Overcoming negative past experiences requires self-awareness and communication with your partner, which can help, eventually, foster a stronger sense of trust.

Communication Patterns

When partners communicate openly, honestly, and respectfully, trust flourishes.

However, common communication pitfalls like dishonesty or lack of transparency can erode trust and distress or even break a relationship. To improve communication and enhance trust, you may need to practice active listening, express empathy, and be transparent with your partner.

Going to therapy is a great way to help you navigate unhealthy communication patterns between you and your partner so you can communicate in a safe and open environment.

Cultural and Societal Norms

Different cultures may have varying approaches to trust and relationship dynamics, which can lead to misunderstandings or conflicts. Learning, empathizing with, and respecting these cultural differences may be an important element to navigating trusting your girlfriend.

Why Can’t I Trust My Girlfriend?

Trust issues can be complex and challenging to navigate, but being able to understand the underlying reasons and background behind both you and your girlfriend is the first step towards finding solutions.

Past Experiences

Past betrayals or traumas can cast a long shadow over current relationships, influencing trust dynamics, whether it's a previous partner's infidelity or past relationship dynamics. After some time, it could breed insecurity and doubt in the relationship.

Addressing and processing past experiences through resources like DBT therapy is crucial for building trust in your current relationship. By acknowledging the impact of past hurts and working through them with your partner, you can pave the way for a more trusting connection and feel more confident in yourself and in turn, your relationships.

Communication Issues

When communication lacks honesty, openness, or clarity, trust can quickly deteriorate.

Rebuilding trust requires a commitment to honest and open communication. By actively listening to your partner, expressing yourself honestly, and addressing concerns or misunderstandings promptly, you’ll be able to strengthen trust and deepen your connection.

Insecurities

Common insecurities like fear of rejection or low self-esteem, can fuel doubt and suspicion.

That’s why seeking counselling or affordable therapy is a great way to begin building self-confidence and overcoming insecurities is essential for fostering trust.

By practicing self-care and starting therapy for yourself first, you can begin challenging negative thought patterns and cultivate a greater sense of self-assurance and trust in yourself and your partner.

Your Attachment Style

There are many different attachment styles that will respond to relationship stimuli differently. You and your girlfriend may be on different ends of the “spectrum,” the anxious, avoidant, or secure attachment style can influence how you approach trust.

Trusting Your Girlfriend

Trusting your girlfriend is a journey that requires effort and commitment from both partners. If you’re ready to stop feeling “Why can’t I trust my girlfriend?”, here are some actionable steps to help you build trust in your relationship.

Open Communication

Honest and transparent communication is essential for building trust. Create a safe space for open dialogue where both you and your girlfriend feel comfortable expressing your thoughts and concerns.

You’ll both need to explore practicing active listening and empathy and be willing to address trust issues openly and honestly.

Set Boundaries

Establishing and respecting boundaries is crucial for promoting trust and mutual respect in a relationship. Clearly communicate your boundaries to your girlfriend and be willing to listen to hers.

Examples of healthy boundaries include respecting each other's privacy, being honest about your feelings, and maintaining individual interests and friendships.

Address Past Issues

Unresolved issues or conflicts from the past can undermine trust in a relationship. Take the time to address and work through any past betrayals or trust violations with your girlfriend.

This may need to involve seeking support from a couples therapist or using resources and techniques to facilitate healing and forgiveness. Doing this can help you both lay the foundation for a stronger and more trusting relationship.

Seek Support at Access Therapy

Help navigate trust issues and relationship dynamics with Access Therapy!

Therapy can provide a safe and confidential space to explore your feelings, gain insight into your relationship patterns, and learn effective communication and coping skills. You can say your thoughts and feelings openly, like “Why do I feel I can’t trust my girlfriend?” and have actionable and non-judgmental support. Book your therapy consultation today!