When we’ve been hurt we struggle with a couple of areas. Some of those areas are crucial to the health of any relationship. However, the damage sustained in early life can hinder growth.
Trust, vulnerability and communication are important components of any healthy relationship.
Trust
If you have never experienced the world as a safe place, it impacts your ability to trust. We learn to trust others by experiencing people as reliable. Honesty is essential in the survival of any relationship. However, trust needs time to build. If you notice that you struggle to let others in, give yourself time to heal the broken trust and patiently seek to rebuild.
It is important to note that having safe boundaries is a part of building trust. Permit yourself to do whatever it takes to feel safe again.
Vulnerability
Vulnerability grows as we permit ourselves to share parts of us with others. For example, there is some degree of exposure necessary to articulate to others our need for comfort. Expressing an emotion or asking for a need to be met takes courage. However, when you allow yourself to heal and grow sharing your need will become more comfortable.
Listening
Listening creates a dialogue where the other person will also have the opportunity to speak. Listening gives insight into thought processes and provides information that will be vital to the building of safe relationships.