Site Title

What Is Trust?

By Rico Handjaja

Let’s start super simple.

Trust means believing that someone will do the right thing.

If you trust someone, it means you feel safe with them. You think they won’t hurt you, lie to you, or trick you. Trust is what helps friends, families, and even teams work well together.

When you trust someone, it feels good. Like a warm hug inside your heart.

But guess what? There’s actually science happening in your brain when you trust someone!

The Brain Science Behind Trust

Now let’s look at what happens inside the brain when we trust someone.

Our brains make a special chemical called oxytocin (say it like: ox-ee-TOE-sin). This chemical helps us feel love, trust, and connection.

Oxytocin is often called the “trust hormone”. It’s released when:

• Someone hugs you
• Someone helps you
• You feel safe with someone
• A friend or loved one makes you feel cared for

Oxytocin tells your brain, “This person is safe. You can trust them.”

It helps build strong bonds between people, like between parents and kids, or close friends.

How Is Trust Built?

Trust doesn’t happen all at once. It takes time and good actions, like:

1. Being Honest

Always tell the truth. Even when it’s hard.

2. Keeping Promises

If you say you’ll do something, do it. People trust those who do what they say.

3. Being Kind and Fair

Treat people the way you want to be treated.

4. Saying “I’m Sorry”

When you make a mistake, saying sorry shows you care and want to make things better.

5. Listening to Others

Really listening shows respect and helps people feel heard.

Each time someone does these things, trust grows, just like watering a plant helps it grow strong.

What Breaks Trust?

Just like trust can grow, it can also break. Trust is broken when someone:

• Lies
• Breaks promises
• Hurts you on purpose
• Doesn’t care how you feel
• Says one thing but does another

Broken trust can make people feel:

• Hurt
• Scared
• Angry
• Sad
• Alone

And once trust is broken, it can be hard to feel safe again.

Can Trust Be Repaired?

Yes! But it takes time, patience, and action.

If someone breaks trust, here’s how they can fix it:

●     Apologize Honestly

Say you’re sorry and mean it.

●     Change Behavior

Don’t just say you’ll change, show it.

●     Be Patient

The other person may need time to trust you again.

●     Do the Right Thing Consistently

Keep doing kind, honest, and trustworthy things.

Fixing trust is like fixing a broken toy. It takes care and effort, but it can work again.

Can You Trust Everyone?

Not everyone is trustworthy. And that’s okay.

Sometimes, people lie or act meanly. If someone keeps hurting your feelings or breaking promises, it’s okay to take a step back.

You can still be polite, but you don’t have to trust them right away. Trust is earned, not given to everyone.

What Does a Trustworthy Person Look Like?

Want to be someone others can trust? Here’s what you can do:

• Tell the truth
• Be kind and respectful
• Keep your word
• Be fair and honest
• Say sorry when you’re wrong
• Help others when you can
• Be a good friend or teammate

Being trustworthy makes people feel safe with you, and that builds strong, happy relationships.

Fun Facts About Trust

• Studies show oxytocin levels go up when we hug or even smile at someone!
• Dogs and cats can show trust too, when they sleep near you or follow you around.
• Babies start learning trust in the first few months of life.
• People who trust others tend to be happier and healthier!
• Trust helps reduce stress because it makes us feel safe and supported.

In a Nutshell

Trust is the feeling of safety and belief in others. It’s built through kindness, honesty, and care, and it’s powered by our brain’s “trust chemical,” oxytocin.

When we trust, we feel closer to people. We feel safe, connected, and happy. Trust is the heart of good relationships, and something we can all give and grow.

FAQs About the Science of Trust

Q: What does trust really mean?

A: Trust means you believe someone will be kind, honest, and do what they say. It’s like knowing your friend won’t hurt your feelings or tell your secrets.

Q: Is trust a feeling or something in the brain?

A: Great question! It’s actually both. You feel trust in your heart, but your brain also helps. A brain chemical called oxytocin makes you feel safe and close to people.

Q: Can I trust someone again after they hurt me?

A: Maybe, but it takes time and proof. That person needs to be kind, honest, and show they’ve changed. Your brain and heart need time to feel safe again.

Q: What makes trust grow?

A: Simple things! Like:

• Telling the truth
• Being kind
• Keeping secrets
• Helping others
• Saying sorry and meaning it

These things help your brain release oxytocin—the trust chemical.

Q: Why do I feel scared to trust again?

A: Because your brain remembers being hurt. That’s normal. It wants to protect you. But over time, if someone is good to you, your brain might slowly say, “Okay, maybe it’s safe again.”

Q: Is trust only for people?

A: Nope! You can trust pets, teachers, even your favorite stuffed animal to be there for you. Trust is everywhere. It’s what helps the world feel safe.

Q: What happens if we don’t have trust?

A: Without trust, we feel worried, sad, or all alone. People argue more. Teams don’t work well. Families feel unhappy. Trust helps people stick together, like glue.

Q: Can I learn how to be more trustworthy?

A: Absolutely! You can:

• Be honest
• Say what you mean
• Apologize when you’re wrong
• Be a good friend
• Take care of others’ feelings

The more you practice, the more people will trust you!