10 subtle ways to rebuild trust in a relationship after it’s been broken

I once heard someone compare trust in a relationship to a piece of fine china—beautiful and strong, but fragile in its own way.

When it’s broken, it’s tempting to sweep up the pieces and move on, but some things are too valuable to discard.

Rebuilding trust is a delicate process. It’s not about grand gestures or quick fixes—it’s the small, consistent steps that make the biggest difference.

Subtle moments of effort, vulnerability, and care are what slowly mend the cracks.

In this article, we’ll explore ten subtle but powerful ways to rebuild trust in a relationship. Because while trust may be fragile, with intention and patience, it can become even stronger than before.

1) Open communication

In a relationship, communication is key. And it’s especially essential when trust has been broken.

We all know how challenging it can be to voice our feelings, especially when we’ve been hurt. But maintaining an open dialogue is a subtle way to start rebuilding trust.

By expressing your thoughts and emotions honestly, your partner will feel included in your healing process. This can help them understand your perspective and allows them to reciprocate with their own feelings.

2) Apologizing sincerely

I’ve been through my fair share of ups and downs in relationships.

One particular situation comes to mind when I unintentionally broke the trust of my partner.

In my experience, a sincere apology goes a long way in mending broken trust. When I say sincere, I mean truly acknowledging your part in the situation, expressing remorse, and demonstrating a commitment to change.

I remember sitting down with my partner, looking into their eyes, and saying, “I’m truly sorry for what I’ve done. I understand how it has hurt you, and I am committed to making things right.”

Did it magically fix everything? No.

But it was a significant step in the healing process. It showed my partner that I was taking responsibility for my actions and was willing to make changes moving forward.

So, don’t underestimate the power of a heartfelt apology. It might not erase the past, but it can certainly pave the way for rebuilding trust.

3) Consistent actions

Words are powerful, but actions often speak louder. When it comes to rebuilding trust, consistency is key.

Studies have found that consistency in our actions influences how trustworthy others perceive us to be. When our actions match our words, people are more likely to trust us.

So, if you promise to change a behavior that broke the trust, follow through with it. If you say you’ll be more transparent, make a conscious effort to do so.

Over time, these consistent actions can slowly help rebuild the trust that was lost.

Rebuilding trust is more of a marathon than a sprint. It requires patience, persistence, and consistency.

4) Show empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. It’s a powerful tool in rebuilding trust.

When your partner has been hurt, they need to know you understand how they feel. This doesn’t just mean saying “I understand.” Try walking in their shoes, feeling their pain, and showing them that you genuinely care.

By demonstrating empathy, you’re showing your partner that their feelings matter to you. This can be a powerful way to start healing the wounds and rebuilding the trust that was broken.

5) Give them space

When trust has been broken, it’s natural to want to fix things right away.

But sometimes, the best thing you can do is give your partner some space.

This might seem counterintuitive, especially when you’re trying to rebuild trust. But by giving your partner time to process their feelings, you’re showing respect for their emotions.

It also gives you time to reflect on your actions and understand how they affected your partner. This self-reflection can be crucial in understanding what needs to change going forward.

So while it might be difficult, giving your partner space can be a subtle yet effective step in rebuilding trust. Healing takes time, and sometimes, a little distance can make a big difference.

6) Re-establish emotional connection

Trust isn’t just about honesty; it’s about emotional connection, too.

When trust is broken, that emotional bond can shatter alongside it.

Re-establishing this connection can be a subtle and heartfelt way to rebuild trust. It’s about going back to the basics, spending quality time together, and finding joy in each other’s company again.

Maybe it’s revisiting the place of your first date or spending a quiet evening together at home. The goal is to remind each other of the love and connection that still exists beneath the hurt and betrayal.

It’s these meaningful moments that add up over time and can gradually heal the wounds of broken trust. Even in the midst of pain, there’s always room for love to grow.

7) Be patient

Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to rebuilding trust.

I remember going through a phase where I had made some serious mistakes and trust was severely damaged.

During that time, I learnt that healing doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a slow process that requires patience from both sides. I had to accept that my partner needed time to regain their trust in me, just as much as I needed time to work on my flaws.

Patience is not just limited to waiting; it’s also how you behave while you’re waiting. It means showing your partner that you’re there for them, no matter how long it takes for them to heal.

Be patient with your partner and with yourself. Rebuilding trust is a journey, not a destination. Take one day at a time and keep faith in the process.

8) Accept the possibility of not being forgiven

This might seem like a strange thought when we’re talking about rebuilding trust, but accepting the possibility of not being forgiven can be an essential step in the process.

Understand that despite your best efforts to make amends, your partner may still choose not to forgive you. This isn’t an easy pill to swallow, but it’s a crucial part of taking responsibility for your actions.

By accepting this possibility, you’re showing your partner that you respect their decisions and emotions.

This, in turn, can open up a path for honest discussions and potential reconciliation.

Rebuilding trust requires giving your partner the freedom to heal at their own pace, acknowledging your mistakes, and giving your partner the space to make their own decisions.

9) Seek professional help

Sometimes, the damage caused by broken trust can seem insurmountable.

It’s in these times that seeking professional help can make a world of difference.

Therapists and counselors are trained to navigate the complexities of relationships. They can provide you with the tools and strategies to effectively communicate, understand each other’s feelings, and work towards rebuilding trust.

Seeking professional help doesn’t mean your relationship is failing. It simply means you’re committed to doing everything you can to mend what’s been broken. It’s a sign of strength, not weakness.

So don’t shy away from reaching out to professionals when needed. They can provide valuable insights and guidance in your journey towards healing.

10) Show genuine remorse and change

The most crucial step in rebuilding trust is showing genuine remorse for your actions and demonstrating a commitment to change.

It’s not enough to apologize; you need to show through your actions that you truly regret what you’ve done and are willing to make necessary changes. You need to prove that you value the relationship more than your ego.

This process isn’t easy, and it requires humility, honesty, and a lot of hard work. But rest assured, it’s worth it.

Because at the end of the day, trust is the foundation of any strong relationship. And rebuilding it can lead to a deeper and more meaningful bond than ever before.

Final thoughts

Here’s the truth: rebuilding trust is a test of patience, humility, and love.

You don’t have to rush the process or try to erase what happened. You need to create a foundation where both people feel safe, heard, and valued again.

Think of each small step—an honest conversation, a heartfelt apology, a moment of empathy—as laying a new brick in the foundation of your relationship.

It won’t happen overnight, and there may be setbacks, but every effort counts.

As Ernest Hemingway said, “The world breaks everyone, and afterward, many are strong at the broken places.”

Relationships can be like that, too. When trust is rebuilt with care, it often leads to a bond that’s deeper and more resilient than before.

So, take it one day at a time. Show up with sincerity, consistency, and an open heart. Because sometimes, the strongest relationships are the ones that have been put back together.