Trust is a complex and nuanced aspect of relationships, and I find that my approach to it varies. I believe that my trust depends on how long I have known a person, their integrity, and their consistency. I maintain a degree of emotional distance with friends to protect myself from a deeper hurt in case of betrayal. Initially, I react with anger and hurt when my trust is broken, but I eventually let go and forgive, even though I won’t forget. I aim to learn from these experiences to strengthen my resilience.
— Eva Albios Baliong
I see trusting people as a nuanced experience. While I genuinely believe in seeing the best in others, I emphasise the importance of approaching trust with caution. I rely on a blend of intuition and observation, paying attention to consistent behaviour and communication. If I discover someone has cheated me, I take time to process my feelings before addressing the situation directly with that person. Open communication is essential, and I seek clarity about their actions while reflecting on what it means for our relationship moving forward. Ultimately, I believe in learning from these experiences to build stronger boundaries and foster more honest connections in the future.
— Bernadette Panganiban Mendoza
I personally do not trust people easily because I believe trust is earned. This is especially true for my family and friends, with whom I have already formed strong bonds. However, I know I can still be taken advantage of, and while betrayal may sting, it doesn’t affect me significantly. I recognise that everyone is susceptible to temptation, and I find that those who betray trust are often more pitiable, risking much more in the end if they don’t make it right. I hold onto the belief that the Lord is always watching over us, as it says in Psalm 121:4. In the end, I still pray for those who have cheated me of my trust.
— Josephine J. Mou
I tend to trust people very easily, mainly due to my faith in God. I don’t hesitate to offer my trust and won’t shy away from those who may hurt me. Instead, I choose to let things be as they are. If someone betrays my trust, I won’t react with anger; rather, I pray for that person, hoping that God will transform their heart.
— Lorenza Palmares
I don’t easily trust others, yet I wholeheartedly offer my help when I believe it’s for a good purpose. To avoid being taken advantage of, I’ve learned to set boundaries and assert my right to say ‘no’ when necessary. If I discover that I have been cheated, I strive to forgive them, as mentioned in Colossians 3:13: “Bear with each other and forgive one another. If any of you has a grievance against someone, forgive as the Lord forgave you.” I also pray for their spiritual growth and openness to God’s grace.
— Maribel Patoc
I take a cautious approach and do not easily trust anyone in order to protect myself. I recognise that it can be challenging to navigate relationships. If someone I trusted cheated me, I would first seek to understand their motivation. If I found that their reasons were rooted in bad intentions, I would choose to cut ties with them, illustrating the importance of maintaining strong boundaries in my relationships.
— Elizabeth Omay Renduque
