7 Habits of a Trustworthy Marriage

In marriage, establishing and maintaining trust is vital to the success and health of any relationship. Every couple needs to feel secure in knowing that they can trust and count on their partner to be there for them. But what does a trustworthy marriage even look like?

Here are seven trustworthy habits that I’ve observed in healthy marriages:

1. They prioritize the relationship.
   In trust-filled marriages, they make spending quality time with one another a priority. They reserve emotional and physical energy for one another and are intentional in protecting their couple time. They also establish healthy boundaries around their relationship to ensure it has the highest priority.
   

2. They communicate with care.
   In marriages with healthy trust, the partners are careful in how they speak to one another. They choose to communicate in a spirit of love and season their words with grace and kindness. Trustworthy partners understand that the goal is not always about being “right” nor casting blame on their partner but to approach any relational issues with a team mindset instead.
   

3. They cover and protect one another.
   Trust-filled marriage partners are careful not to expose their partner’s faults or shortcomings in front of others. Instead, they choose to address personal matters privately. However, when an issue does arise that cannot be resolved between the two of them amicably, they seek trusted counsel, coaching, or mentorship where the interests of both partners are respected and valued.
   

4. They are faithful and committed.
   Trustworthy marriage partners only have eyes, affection, and devotion for their own spouse. They ensure that no one else occupies nor shares the intimate spaces reserved for their intimate union. Both marriage partners are careful to set, establish, and enforce healthy boundaries with others outside of their marriage and to protect their marital union at all costs.
   

5. They can be counted on in good and bad times.
   Trustworthy marriage partners are reliable and can be counted on to come through for one another. They understand that being reliable and dependable in their relationship builds trust in their marriage. Their spouse knows that they can count on them to meet their relational needs.
   

6. They don’t mistake their partner’s kindness for weakness.
   Trustworthy partners don’t take advantage of their partner’s kind and generous nature, but instead - they cherish, value, and appreciate them. They understand the fragility of trust in their relationship and protect it at all costs. They choose to care for, nurture, and value their partner and resist taking their spouse for granted.

7. They are who they say they are.
   Trust-filled marriage partners say what they mean and mean what they say. Their words can be trusted and are backed up by their consistent actions. Even when things aren’t perfect, trustworthy marriage partners work to make things right with their spouses. This demonstrates their commitment and devotion to the marital relationship.

Being a trustworthy partner and growing trust in marriage requires commitment, dedication, and prioritizing the relationship above all other relationships. It also requires intentional daily action to protect, grow, and rebuild trust in the marriage. Understanding what a healthy, trustworthy marriage looks like and then committing to taking the necessary, daily actions to achieve that, will pay huge dividends long into your marriage. It will also help you experience a more safe, more healthy, and more satisfying marital relationship.

So, which of these trustworthy habits most resonates with you?

For more ways to build and grow trust in your marriage, follow @harmony_marriage on Instagram and “Like” our Harmony Marriage Coaching Facebook page. You can also send Ginger a message on our website.