Indicators of Trustworthiness:
Tell the truth, even when it may lead to negative consequences.
Are willing to try again, despite not performing as well as they hoped initially.
Return borrowed items in the same condition they were received.
Keep their promises and do not divulge secrets.
Trustworthiness is a vital trait for today’s youth, encompassing honesty, reliability, and integrity. For young people today, trustworthiness means:
Honesty: Being truthful in words and actions. It involves telling the truth, even when it’s difficult, and not deceiving or misleading others.
Reliability: Being dependable and consistent. When you make promises or commitments, you follow through on them. Others can count on you to do what you say you will.
Integrity: Upholding strong moral principles. This means doing the right thing even when no one is watching, and standing by your values and ethics.
Transparency: Being open and clear about your actions and intentions. This involves communicating openly with parents, teachers, and peers, and not hiding important information.
Admitting Mistakes: Owning up to errors and taking responsibility for them. It’s important to acknowledge when you’ve made a mistake, apologize, and work to make things right.
Concept of Trustworthiness
“Trust is hard to build because parents are afraid, you’ll get hurt or hurt someone. Parents have the tendency to lecture or nag rather than share their fears.”
Understand Their Perspective: One reason parents have trouble trusting is that they want to spare you, from their mistakes; they don’t want you to experience the pain they have. Recognize that their concern comes from a place of love and protection.
Build Trust: Proactively share aspects of your life with your parents. For example, choose to tell your parents two things you did or felt daily, so they won’t have to ask. This openness fosters a sense of trust and keeps them informed.
Answer Calmly: When your parents ask questions, respond calmly and without defensiveness. This approach helps them believe in your honesty and maturity.
Remember Their Intentions: Keep in mind that parents ask questions because they care about you. Their inquiries are often driven by concern and a desire to stay connected with your life.
Admit Mistakes: If you make a mistake that breaks trust, own up to it. Apologize, ask for forgiveness, and actively work to rebuild the trust. This shows responsibility and a commitment to maintaining a healthy relationship.
When you and your parent are in a good mood, ask your parents to tell you about a time they suffered because of a poor choice and a bad decision.
Ask: “What would you like me to learn from your experience?”
Take courage and have those conversations. Building trust is a two-way street and open, honest communication is key to strengthening your relationship with your parents.
Good Attitudes vs. Bad Attitudes in Today’s Youth Actions
Good Attitudes/Positivity
Actions: Approaching challenges with a hopeful and optimistic mindset, looking for solutions rather than dwelling on problems.
Examples: Encouraging friends, staying motivated in difficult situations, and focusing on what can be done rather than what’s going wrong.
Respectfulness= Actions: Treating others with kindness and consideration, listening attentively, and valuing others’ opinions.
Examples: Speaking politely to peers and adults, showing appreciation, and respecting boundaries.
Responsibility= Actions: Taking ownership of one’s actions, meeting obligations, and being reliable.
Examples: Completing assignments on time, being punctual, and following through on commitments.
Empathy= Actions: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, showing compassion and support.
Examples: Helping a friend in need, volunteering, and being considerate of others’ emotions.
Initiative= Actions: Taking proactive steps to achieve goals and improve oneself, seeking out opportunities for growth.
Examples: Starting a new project, joining clubs or activities, and seeking help when needed.
Bad Attitudes/Negativity
Actions: Focusing on the negative aspects of situations, complaining, and spreading pessimism.
Examples: Criticizing others without offering solutions, dwelling on failures, and discouraging peers.
Disrespect
Actions: Ignoring others’ feelings and rights, being rude or dismissive, and failing to listen.
Examples: Interrupting when others speak, making fun of people, and not following rules or guidelines.
Irresponsibility
Actions: Avoiding accountability, neglecting duties, and being unreliable.
Examples: Failing to complete tasks, making excuses, and not showing up when expected.
Apathy
Actions: Lacking interest or concern for others or for important tasks, being indifferent.
Examples: Ignoring friends’ problems, not participating in class or group activities, and neglecting important responsibilities.
Complacency
Actions: Being satisfied with the status quo, avoiding challenges, and not striving for improvement.
Examples: Refusing to learn new skills, avoiding difficult tasks, and settling for mediocrity.
For the youth of today, building trustworthiness involves
Communicating Openly: Share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with your parents and others. This fosters a sense of openness and reduces misunderstandings.
Being Accountable: Take responsibility for your actions and decisions. Show that you can be trusted to handle responsibilities and admit when you’re wrong.
Maintaining Consistency: Be consistent in your behavior and actions. People need to see that you’re reliable and can be depended upon.
Respecting Others: Treat others with respect and consideration. This helps build mutual trust and respect in relationships.
Building Positive Relationships: Engage in healthy, positive relationships that encourage trust and honesty. Avoid relationships that involve deceit or manipulation.
Trustworthiness is a cornerstone of strong relationships and a positive reputation. By embodying these principles, today’s youth can build a solid foundation for personal and professional success.
Conclusion: The core value of trustworthiness is honesty. This means telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. It involves being sincere and straightforward, without deception, misleading, or trickery. Trustworthiness also includes not cheating or stealing and not betraying trust. These principles align with biblical teachings on integrity and faithfulness.
By: Dr. Maria Pinto Barbosa #DrBarbosa WhatsApp (386)206-6325
Certified as School Board of Education / PHD-Doctor of Philosophy in Cristian Clinical Counseling
ACCEL-Holistic Life Coach / Founder-Director of ACCEL Educational Leadership
Specialized on Temperaments – Personalities
Pastor Christian Minister Clergy / Bachelor of Theology in Pastoral leadership and Certified EETAD Theology
