Trust is like a delicate glass vase—once it’s shattered, piecing it back together takes time, patience, and effort. If you’ve ever been on either side of broken trust, you know how heavy the situation can feel. But here’s the thing: trust *can* be rebuilt. It won’t look exactly the same as before, but with the right approach, it can be even stronger.

Let’s break down some relatable steps you can take, and at the end of each section, I’ll include a little activity to reflect on.

1. Acknowledge What Happened:
You can’t fix something if you ignore that it’s broken. Whether you’re the one who broke the trust or the one who got hurt, acknowledging the situation openly is the first step. If you broke the trust, this means genuinely owning up to your actions without making excuses. If you were hurt, it means being honest about your feelings without suppressing them.

Activity: Write down how you feel about the situation in a few sentences. If you were hurt, write what specifically hurt you. If you broke the trust, note what happened and why. This clarity helps guide the healing process.

2. Communicate Openly:
Transparency is key when rebuilding trust. Both parties need to feel comfortable expressing their feelings, worries, and concerns. This open communication creates a foundation for understanding and paves the way for healing.

Activity: Try a “listening exercise” with the person involved. Take turns speaking for three minutes without being interrupted. The other person must listen without judgment. When the time’s up, switch roles. This helps create a safe space for both parties to be heard.

 3. Apologize Genuinely: A real apology is more than just words. It’s recognizing the harm caused and expressing true remorse. If you’re the one apologizing, don’t rush it. Make sure your apology is specific and heartfelt. Words like, “I’m sorry for breaking your trust by doing X, and I understand why it hurt you,” are far more powerful than a blanket, “Sorry for everything.”

Activity: Write an apology letter—even if you’re delivering it in person. This allows you to reflect on your words carefully and ensure your apology feels sincere. It also gives the other person something to look back on if they need reassurance later.

4. Give It Time:
Rebuilding trust is a slow process, and it can’t be rushed. The person who was hurt needs time to heal, and the person who broke the trust needs time to show that they’ve changed. Be patient and understand that setbacks might happen, but that’s okay as long as progress is being made.

Activity: Make a “trust jar.” Each time a positive step is made in the healing process (like having a good conversation or showing honesty in small ways), drop a pebble or a piece of paper in the jar. Over time, the jar will fill up, symbolizing the gradual rebuilding of trust.

5. Show Consistent Actions:

Actions speak louder than words, and rebuilding trust requires consistent, reliable behavior over time. If you’re committed to repairing the relationship, make sure your actions reflect that commitment. Be reliable, keep promises, and show that you’re changing through what you *do*, not just what you *say*.

Activity: List five specific actions you (or the other person) can take to build trust daily. For example, “I will always be upfront about my feelings,” or “I’ll show appreciation regularly.” Keeping track of these actions helps ensure accountability.

 6. Forgive—But Don’t Forget:
Forgiveness is key to moving forward, but it’s important to remember that forgiving doesn’t mean forgetting. Holding onto what happened helps us learn from the experience, but forgiveness allows us to release the bitterness and resentment that can hold us back. Forgiving the other person or even forgiving yourself doesn’t mean everything goes back to normal instantly, but it allows healing to happen.

Activity: Reflect on the word “forgiveness.” Write down what it means to you and how you might practice it in your own life. Think about one step you can take toward forgiving the person or yourself.

 Final Thoughts
Rebuilding trust isn’t easy, and it won’t happen overnight. It’s a journey, and both parties need to be committed to the process. With time, communication, and consistent effort, trust can be rebuilt—often stronger than before. Just like mending a broken vase, the cracks will always be there, but they’ll be a reminder of the hard work and growth that came out of it.