Belief and Trust: Navigating the Challenges of Human Relationships

Once upon a time, when I was a child, I used to believe that the most beloved or best people in the world were my relatives. Growing up, I was often told about my cousins and their kindness by my mother. I naively imagined that when I grew up, I would have a support system of family, and the sadness would be lessened by the laughter and embraces of my relatives. This idea was partly reinforced by the way my mother spoke so positively about our family members. However, as I grew older, I began to realize the complexity of human relationships and how they can bring both joy and pain.

Loss and Depression: A Turning Point in Belief

One of the most challenging periods of my life was when I was in my early twenties, going through a breakup and dealing with a medical condition. I was diagnosed with second-stage tuberculosis (TB) and was undergoing medication that made me feel emotionally and physically drained. During this time, I decided not to confide in my loved ones about my health condition for fear of them judging me or considering me weak. This guarded approach ultimately led to a deterioration in my relationship with a loved one whom I was deeply infatuated with. I fabricated a story about being in a relationship with someone else to protect what I thought was my ego. According to my account, after I told this lie, we stopped talking, and eventually, the person broke up with me. The heartbreak was so intense that I became utterly depressed. However, what distressed me even more was the lack of interest from my cousins who should have been my spiritual support during this tough time. Overwhelmed by stress and despair, I felt that the people who I once trusted to provide emotional support were not willing to listen to me.

The Hardship of Trusting Again

My experience taught me that trust must be earned over time, incrementally. High trust in others is not easy to achieve, especially in today's world where most people believe that 99% of people are not trustworthy. This belief is often born from personal experiences of betrayal and loss. In my case, the disappointment I experienced during that critical period of my life made it difficult to trust anyone again. The thought that the people who matter most to me did not want to listen to me anymore became a recurring worry. This led to a pervasive sense of distrust that affected all my relationships.

Opening Up to Trust Again

Trusting someone again after experiencing betrayal is a daunting task. It requires time, patience, and actions that consistently demonstrate honesty and reliability. Overcoming depression and rebuilding trust involve several steps:

Setting clear boundaries: It's important to define what kind of trust you are looking for and what kind of trust you are willing to give. Gradual disclosure: Start by sharing smaller, less personal details about your life and build up gradually as you gain their confidence. Seeking support: Talk to friends and family members who have earned your trust over time, and seek their support during tough times. Practicing empathy and patience: Trust is not something that can be rushed. It’s a process that requires understanding and patience.

Each step in the process of regaining trust is both an internal and external journey. Internally, it involves dealing with the emotional scars of past disappointments. Externally, it requires careful and consistent behavior to build a new level of trust.

Conclusion

Belief and trust are fundamental aspects of human relationships. Navigating through the complexities of trust involves recognizing past experiences, setting boundaries, and gradually rebuilding trust with others. While it can be challenging, especially after experiencing betrayal, it's a journey worth undertaking for the potential of forming strong and meaningful connections with others.