Welcome to today’s episode! I’m so excited to have you here, and I hope that by the end of this conversation, you’ll start seeing trust in a whole new light.
So, let’s dive in. Have you ever stopped to think about what trust really means? We throw the word around so casually—“I trust you,” “I know you’d never hurt me,” “I can count on you.” But here’s the hard truth: trust is not trust until it’s tested.
This thought hit me deeply while watching God Is Not African 2. One of the characters said those exact words: Trust is not trust until it’s tested. And I had to pause and reflect. Priscy, I asked myself, have the people I trust actually been tested? Have I ever put their trustworthiness to the test, or have I just assumed they deserve my trust?
Think about it for a moment. How often have you told someone, I trust you without truly knowing if they can stand by that trust? We misuse the word so often without fully understanding the weight it carries. Trust, much like honesty, is not just given—it must be proven.
The Reality of Trust: Tested or Assumed?
When do we actually test the people we claim to trust? Have they ever been in a position where they had the opportunity to betray you—but chose not to? Have you ever been in a situation where you confided in someone, only to later find out they used your vulnerability against you?
If so, that trust wasn’t tested—it was just assumed. And assumptions can be dangerous.
Growing up, I remember going to the market with my sister, and we’d hear vendors say, Because na you ohh, I go give you discount! In that moment, you’d feel special—like they were doing you a favor. But were they really? Or were they just playing on your emotions? That experience made me realize something important: just because someone says they are trustworthy doesn’t mean they truly are.
So, how do we navigate this? How do we figure out who to trust and how to trust them?
How to Test Trust
- Observe Actions, Not Just Words People can say anything, but their actions will always reveal the truth. Does this person follow through on their promises? Do they respect your boundaries? Do they keep your secrets? Pay close attention.
- See How They Handle Conflict The true nature of a person is revealed when things go wrong. Do they remain loyal when you have a disagreement, or do they throw you under the bus at the first sign of trouble?
• 3. Look at Their Track Record How have they treated others in the past? If they’ve betrayed someone before, what makes you think they won’t do the same to you?
