7 Proven Signs You Can Truly Trust Him in a Relationship

STUDY the Past • CONVERSATIONS • TAKE TIME • LOOK at HIS PLATONIC RELATIONSHIPS • The JUDGEMENTAL SIDE of HIM • More ...

By Gulsum

How do you know you can trust him? Have you ever trusted a man too quickly and ended up disappointed? It’s a common heartbreak that many women face when navigating the complex world of modern dating. Building a foundation of trust is essential for any long-term happiness, yet it often feels like a leap of faith. Here are seven essential tips to check before fully investing yourself in a new relationship, providing all the answers you need to the crucial question: how do you know you can trust him?

1. STUDY the Past

Ask him about his past relationships. While this isn't necessarily a topic for the first date, it's a vital conversation to have after a few months of dating. Ask him why his previous relationship ended or why his past connections might have failed. An answer itself will indicate how much you can trust him moving forward. Look for whether he takes responsibility for his part or simply blames his exes; accountability is a major green flag. If you're interested in more relationship insights, check out our guide on signs your partner is emotionally available.

2. CONVERSATIONS

Communication is the lifeblood of trust. If he constantly avoids talking about tough topics or shuts down during serious discussions, how are you going to totally trust him? A man who is willing to be vulnerable and honest, even when it's uncomfortable, is someone who values the relationship enough to be real with you. You can learn more about the elements of trust from experts at Psychology Today.

3. TAKE TIME

Trust isn't built overnight; it's grown through shared experiences. Spend significant time (at least 6 months) with him before making major life commitments. Time tells you everything you need to know about a person's character. Every person has an angel and a demon inside, and it's easy to hide the latter during the "honeymoon phase." Don't totally invest yourself until you have seen the demon side of him—how he handles stress, anger, and disappointment.

Observe his reactions to minor inconveniences.
Note how he treats service staff or strangers.
Pay attention to his consistency over several months.

4. LOOK at HIS PLATONIC RELATIONSHIPS

Don't look only on the romantic side of him, as that can often be a performance early on. Watch how he treats his friends, family, and especially his mother. His behavior in these long-standing relationships will give you a very good answer to how he will treat you in the future. Respect and kindness in his platonic life are strong indicators of a trustworthy character. For more on this, read about how his judgmental side affects your security.

5. The JUDGEMENTAL SIDE of HIM

If you share something about yourself that is less than perfect, pay attention to how he is going to judge you. If he has a critical view of those impurities or mistakes you may have in your life, how are you going to be yourself around him? Trust requires a safe space where you can be your authentic self without fear of being belittled. A trustworthy partner offers support rather than condemnation. You might also find value in The Gottman Institute's research on trust.

6. TRUST

He must be able to trust you as well. Trust is a two-way street that requires mutual effort and vulnerability. Have you earned his trust yet? Also, ask yourself if he can trust you in a relationship. A man is never going to truly open up to you if he doesn't feel he can trust you with his own heart and secrets. Building this mutual trust in a new relationship is a gradual process.

7. INSTINCT

Finally, never underestimate the power of your own intuition. Don't be afraid to believe your instincts about the person. Often, our subconscious picks up on red flags or inconsistencies long before our conscious mind does. If something feels "off," it usually is. Trusting yourself is the first step in knowing if you can trust him.

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