Do you have any trust issues related to your family, friends, or a significant other? If you answered yes, it’s okay. Trust doesn’t just happen – it must be earned. However, even when it exists, it can sometimes be broken. Just remember it’s not the end of the world.

I believe trust is knowing you can confide in someone about ANYTHING at all with the understanding that they’ll keep your secrets unless you give them your permission to tell others. Sometimes, however, there are situations in which our trust in someone is broken and you may come to the conclusion to not trust anyone at all anymore. Deciding not to trust again may give you temporary reassurance that your feelings will never ever be hurt again.

However, even though you’re hurt and feel that you can’t trust anyone ever again, it’s not right or realistic to use one person’s mistake and judge all of the people in your life. Rather than isolate yourself from the world and put up walls, it’s best to change who you tell your personal issues to. Make sure that you surround yourself with positive individuals who bring out the best in you and who won’t share your private business with others.

It’s also important to choose what information you share, because some people may use your personal business against you when you’re no longer friends. Even with this in mind, it’s important not to put up walls. Everyone needs friends to confide in when they are sad, worried, and even happy, so the best thing to do is to choose your friends carefully and learn from your past mistakes.

-Kayla