It’s one thing to be well-liked.

But gaining the trust and genuine appreciation by those around you is something else. 

It can mean the start of a promising future, a growing career, or the deepening of a relationship. 

The problem is…it’s hard to tell where you stand because people rarely tell you “I trust you” or “You’re important to me.”

Well, I’m here to help.

Here are 12 subtle signs that you’re highly trusted and valued by people (even if they don’t say it).

1) Your plate is always full

Do your parents, partner, and friends ask you for favors?

Do you get calls at work to solicit your help for yet another task?

It seems like… you always have something to do!

It can be annoying, for sure, but look at the bright side.

When people are always seeking your assistance, if you’re getting assigned more work, it’s a sign that you’re indeed a gift to the people around you.

2) You’re given difficult tasks

Do your work well and you’ll get more work—and work that’s more difficult at that, too.

That’s just the way the cookie crumbles.

While no one likes getting more work than they can handle, take it as a sign that people consider you an asset.

No one assigns difficult tasks to someone whose abilities they don’t trust, after all.

3) You’re the first one they call when there’s crisis

“Jenny, sorry to bother you. I have no one else to talk to. I just found out that my husband is cheating on me.”

“Hey, can you give me advice on my presentation? It’s really important! Please, please.”

In moments of crisis, people reach out to the ones they trust, because hey, great problems require great minds.

So, if a lot of people consider you as their number one choice when they need to “phone a friend” for a personal or professional issue, you can be sure that you’re someone they trust and value.

4) Everyone remembers the things you do

“Oh, I remember that campaign you did a year ago.”

“You inspired my son to follow his dream. Now, he’s studying architecture!”

In a world that moves so quickly, it can be a surprise when we’re remembered for what we do.

So, even if they don’t explicitly tell you you’re awesome—even if they don’t always say “thank you”—the fact that they remember the good things you did just means that they think of you as one who does remarkable things.

5) People want to collaborate with you.

In situations where you need to work in teams, your colleagues or classmates openly express that they want to work with you.

“Hey Jen. Want to be my partner?,” one asks.

And you always end up having to turn someone down because someone else already asked you.

Yep, it’s very much like in high school. 

You probably have skills that a lot of people don’t. Or maybe you’re just fun and easy to work with, so everyone wants to collaborate with you.

And if you’re running a business? Well, needless to say, it’s thriving. 

And that’s because people actually trust and value you and whatever you have to offer.

6) You’re the first person the higher-ups look for

Your boss or teacher just entered the room, and the first thing they do? They look for you.

It used to stress you out—because what if you do something wrong—but like a lot of things, now you’ve gotten the hang of it. 

You probably contribute in a big way to your workplace’s dynamic. 

And when you’re not around, it’s hard for people, even your superiors, to not feel like there’s something missing. 

Well, you’re definitely someone they trust and value. 

If you were just a regular employee or student, they wouldn’t even care. Heck, they probably won’t even notice when you’re not around!

7) Some people kinda hate you

Envy is a byproduct of success.

And even if you’re not successful yet, people can sense that you’re gonna get there eventually. And they can’t help but hate you a little for it.

Perhaps your business is booming and they resent the fact that you’re likely to be a millionaire by 30.

Perhaps you’re getting ahead at work even if you’ve been with the company for only a short time.

Hold your head up high because being envied and hated (by toxic people) can be a sign that you’re actually doing well.

And while you do have detractors, know that you have more people who see you as someone they trust and value. Otherwise, you won’t be where you are now.

8) They ask for your opinion

“So, do you think I should dump him?,” your sister asks you.

“Don’t press send yet. Let’s ask Nancy what she thinks about the proposal,” you overhear the marketing head instruct the intern. 

You have unique and sensible opinions, and the people around you always want to hear them.

So if you notice that people ask for your opinion often, you’re probably both intelligent and insightful, and that’s why people trust your judgment. 

9) You often receive constructive criticism on your work

When one takes the time to actually analyze your work and say something about it, it’s actually a sign that you’re an asset at the workplace.

Yes, some people might give out feedback just so they can feel superior. 

But if you know that the person is kindhearted, and they give you constructive feedback?

It’s probably because they see your potential.

They know that just a few small tweaks can take your work from good to great.

10) Your complaints and concerns are often addressed 

“I need a better laptop.”

“I can’t focus when everyone’s noisy.”

They’ll address your concerns, and they’ll do it ASAP. No questions asked.

And you know they’re not just trying to please everyone, because when others do it, they may be seen as “entitled” and “demanding.”

But, you. No. 

They might not say it but you do valuable work and you’ve shown them you’re reliable.

You’re known as a reasonable and sensible person. And that’s exactly why they trust you and accommodate your requests.

11) People are nicer to you

You forgot to bring your notes on a hectic day?

They won’t hate you for it!

Instead they’d go “Ah, it happens to the best of us,” and try to help you come up with solutions. 

You missed a deadline?

They’ll tell you that it’s fine. That what truly matters is that you deliver good work.

This isn’t how they treat others, though. They’re strict to the point that your colleagues tremble at the sight of them.

Well, they must value you and trust that you’re doing your best at work. So, even if you screw up every now and then, they can let things slide.

12) They express love and appreciation using their own love language

Some people are just not vocal. 

They trust you and value you, but they find it too cheesy to say those things to your face. 

Or maybe they don’t feel that the situation calls for words. So, they’d express it in other ways, instead.

They’d give you gifts.

They’d spend time with you and listen to you talk.

They’d give you a pat on the back.

In other words, they do things for you that say “Hey, I value you” without actually saying it.

Final thoughts

Not a lot of people are taught to tell others that they trust and value them. It certainly doesn’t get as much airtime as the verbal expression of love. 

Yet, everyone knows that trust and true appreciation are essential to any relationship. 

So, if you’ve found that you’re a person who’s trusted and valued by those around you—congrats!

But maybe begin to make a habit of saying it to others, too.

If it’s how you feel, let your partner, loved one, colleague, or work subordinate know that you trust and value them. 

It might just make their day or give them the confidence to tell you that yes, you mean a lot to them too!