Trust is like a glass window pane, once it is broken, you can mend it in many ways but it will never be the same. I am speaking from experience. In my younger days I have done many things that have broken my parents’ trust. I spent the later years trying to make up for these transgressions, knowing too well that while their love for me has remained intact, I will never regain their absolute trust.
Distrust manifests itself in the littlest of ways. Words and statements can take on new meanings under a layer of distrust. These feel like little razor cuts on the skin. A glance, a nonchalant smirk, can easily bruise one’s spirit. Everything becomes tainted.
On the other hand, proving one’s trustworthiness is like pushing a boulder up a steep hill. It requires a dogged determination, unwavering faith, and mindless courage.
Other people (friends mostly) have betrayed this trust many times in the past. I am generally patient; I can put up with many things, but once this patience runs out, there’s no turning back. Forgiveness is like a delicious dish: one can finish eating it all too quickly.
This is why I believe that once trust has been irreparably broken between 2 people, they should just say good-bye and move on to other things (and people). It is completely useless to continue any relationship when there is no trust between the people involved. Trying to trust someone again after being betrayed by that person is extremely difficult, as is trying to prove one’s trustworthiness. I don’t blame people for giving up doing any of the two.
Now, if only things were indeed this simple and easy.
I’m thinking of scalpels–and cutting with surgical precision. I’m thinking of the bonds between family members, between friends, lovers, and partners. And how complicated it is to sever any of these ties.