Trust is a challenging thing. You might think you’re the most reliable person in the room, but sometimes, the subtlest behaviors can undermine your integrity.

And let’s be honest, in this digital age where every word and action is scrutinized, it’s important to get it right.

You’ve probably put your best foot forward, going out of your way to show people you’re trustworthy. But still, there’s this nagging feeling that people aren’t entirely convinced.

It’s not always a grand spectacle, you know.

Sometimes, it’s the minor things that you’re not even aware of that are getting in the way of people seeing you as dependable and trustworthy.

Here’s how to identify those tiny behaviors that could be sabotaging your trustworthiness.

We’re about to dive into 8 subtle actions that you need to bid farewell if you genuinely want to be seen as a trustworthy person, regardless of how difficult it might be.

This isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being aware and making a conscious effort to improve. Let’s get started.

1) Habitual lateness

Time is a complex concept, isn’t it?

We often think we have it in abundance, but it slips away before we know it. And when we’re late, it’s not just our time we’re playing around with – it’s someone else’s too.

You might not mean any harm when you’re running 15 minutes behind schedule.

But to the other person, it can be interpreted as a lack of respect for their time. It can silently hint that your commitments aren’t high on your priority list.

A simple habit of being punctual can make a world of difference in how people perceive you.

Sure, traffic can be unpredictable and emergencies do happen. But if tardiness becomes more the rule than the exception, it’s time to take a step back and reassess.

Being punctual shows that you value others’ time as much as your own. It displays reliability and respect – two essential ingredients in the recipe for trustworthiness.

So, if you really want to come across as a trustworthy person, saying goodbye to habitual lateness is a great first step. It might seem like a small thing, but the impact it can have on your reputation is enormous.

Keep this in mind next time you find yourself racing against the clock.

2) Breaking promises

Promises are a tricky business. They’re easy to make, but sometimes, life happens and they become hard to keep.

There was this one time when I promised a friend I’d help him move during the weekend. It was a small promise, nothing grand or life-altering, but a promise nonetheless.

However, as the weekend approached, I found myself caught up in a whirlwind of other commitments. I could feel the stress building up, but I didn’t want to let my friend down.

So, I made a tough call.

I contacted my friend, explained my situation and apologized for not being able to keep my promise. It was uncomfortable and honestly, quite embarrassing.

But looking back, it was the right thing to do.

What I learned from that experience is that breaking promises doesn’t just hurt others; it can also tarnish our image of trustworthiness.

The lesson here is not to make promises lightly. If you can’t follow through, it’s better not to promise at all.

But if you do end up in a situation where you can’t keep your word, own up to it. Apologize and make amends if possible.

Promises are a crucial part of building trust. So if you’re serious about coming across as trustworthy, breaking promises is another subtle behavior you need to say goodbye to.

3) Not being honest, even in small matters

Mark Twain once said, “If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.”

This quote is a reminder of the simplicity and the power of honesty.

It seems like a straightforward concept, but let’s admit it – there are times when we might be tempted to stretch the truth a bit, especially in situations where we feel the truth might not be very palatable.

It might be something as small as praising a friend’s cooking when you didn’t really enjoy it, or as significant as hiding a mistake from your boss at work.

But here’s the thing – once you start being dishonest, even in small matters, it becomes a slippery slope.

Every lie, no matter how insignificant it may seem, chips away at your credibility. And when trust is broken, it’s incredibly hard to rebuild.

Honesty may not always be the easiest path to take, but it’s the only one that leads to trustworthiness.

So if you want to come across as dependable and reliable, it’s time to say goodbye to dishonesty – in all its forms and sizes.

4) Inconsistency

A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology suggests that consistency is a significant predictor of trustworthiness.

It’s not surprising, right? When someone is consistent, they are predictable. And predictability breeds trust.

But what does it mean to be consistent?

It’s about aligning your actions with your words. It’s about showing up when you said you would, doing what you promised, and standing by your values even when it’s inconvenient.

Inconsistency can creep in subtly – maybe you’re always late for meetings, or you say one thing and do another, or your mood swings make it hard for people to know what to expect from you.

But guess what? People notice. And it can affect how much they trust you.

In the long run, being consistent shows that you’re dependable. It tells people that they can rely on you to be the same person tomorrow as you are today.

If you want others to see you as trustworthy, consistency is key. So it’s time to wave goodbye to inconsistency and embrace the reliability that comes with being a person of your word.

5) Neglecting to listen

Listening seems like such a basic thing, doesn’t it?

But in reality, genuinely listening to someone – giving them your full attention, showing understanding, and responding thoughtfully – it’s not as common as you might think.

In our fast-paced world, we’re often so focused on getting our own points across that we forget to truly listen to others. We might interrupt, zone out, or start formulating our next point while the other person is still talking.

The thing is, when you don’t listen well, it can give off the impression that you don’t value what the other person is saying or that you’re not genuinely interested in them. And that can erode their trust in you.

On the other hand, being a good listener shows respect and consideration for others. It makes people feel heard and valued. And these are qualities that build trust.

So if you’re aiming to come across as trustworthy, it’s time to bid adieu to poor listening habits.

Start paying attention to what others are saying, ask insightful questions, and respond with empathy. It’s a simple shift but one that can make a significant difference in how trustworthy people perceive you to be.

6) Lack of accountability

Ever noticed how some people are quick to take credit when things go well, but vanish into thin air when things go wrong?

It’s a subtle behavior, but one that can seriously dent your trustworthiness.

Accountability is about taking ownership of your actions – the good, the bad, and the ugly. It’s about standing up and saying, “Yes, I messed up. I take responsibility, and here’s how I plan to fix it.”

It’s not always easy. In fact, it can be downright uncomfortable. But it’s an essential part of being trustworthy.

When you dodge accountability, it can make people question your integrity. It can make them wonder if they can trust you to do the right thing when the chips are down.

On the other hand, when you take accountability for your actions, it shows that you’re someone who can be relied on. It shows that you’re willing to face the music and make things right.

So if you want to be seen as trustworthy, it’s time to say goodbye to a lack of accountability.

Start owning your actions, learning from your mistakes, and making amends where necessary. It can go a long way in earning the trust of those around you.

7) Being judgmental

We all have our opinions and judgments. It’s a natural part of being human. But when it comes to trustworthiness, being judgmental can be a hurdle.

You see, when you’re quick to judge others, it can make them hesitant to open up to you. They might worry about how you’ll react or what you’ll think of them.

And that fear can prevent a trusting relationship from forming.

It’s not about agreeing with everyone or condoning every action. It’s about approaching people with an open mind and a willingness to understand their perspective, even if it differs from yours.

Being non-judgmental shows that you’re accepting and respectful of others’ differences. It makes people feel safe and comfortable around you. And those feelings can foster trust.

Start embracing diversity, showing empathy, and practicing patience. It might not be easy, but the increase in trust you’ll gain will be worth it.

8) Not keeping personal boundaries

Personal boundaries are like invisible lines that define where you end and where others begin. They are crucial for maintaining mutual respect and trust in any relationship.

However, sometimes we might inadvertently cross these lines.

It could be something as small as borrowing a colleague’s pen without asking or as significant as sharing someone’s personal information without their consent.

These actions, while seemingly insignificant, can be perceived as a lack of respect for others’ personal space and privacy. And that can lead to a decrease in their trust in you.

Respecting boundaries shows that you value others’ individuality and autonomy. It reinforces the idea that you’re someone who understands and respects the importance of personal space.

And this can significantly boost your trustworthiness.

Start recognizing and respecting others’ boundaries, and ensure you’re clear about your own too. This will not only enhance your trustworthiness but also improve your relationships overall.

The takeaway

Recognizing these behaviors in yourself can be a little unsettling.

But remember, it’s not about blaming yourself or feeling guilty. It’s about growth and self-improvement.

Becoming aware of these subtle behaviors is the first step towards change. It provides a roadmap to becoming more trustworthy, both in your eyes and in the eyes of others.

Start by observing your actions. Notice when you’re late or break a promise. Pay attention to how you listen and react to others.

Keep an eye on your consistency, accountability, and respect for personal boundaries.

As you become more aware, you can start making changes. It might be as simple as setting your alarm 10 minutes earlier or as significant as owning up to a mistake.

Yes, change takes time and effort. But the rewards are worth it.

As you start letting go of these behaviors, you’ll notice a shift in how people perceive you. You’ll find relationships deepening, trust strengthening, and self-esteem boosting.

So here’s to being the reliable, trustworthy person you aspire to be. It starts with self-awareness, continues with action, and ends with developing trust that lasts.