The importance of trust in friendship: Friendship is based on trust, and it is important because it is what keeps the bonds of the friendship going. If you do not trust someone, it is next to impossible to be friends. Your friends are the people you tell your secrets to, rely on when you are in need, and spend time with. If you do not have trust in a friendship, spending time with the person will be like walking on egg shells, you will have to watch your back and what you say so that they do not use it against you. You have to hope they follow through when you need them, etc. So, trust is pretty critical in a friendship.

When is it okay to break a trust: While trust is always important, there are times in friendship when you it is necessary to break a trust. For example, if your friend comes to you and tells you they have an eating disorder, or that they are going to kill themselves, or do something illegal, or that they are in trouble, or something along those lines it is imperative that you do not keep their secret. Part of being a good friend is breaking trust at the right times. Your friend is going to forgive you if you save their life, or help them get past a troubling situation. Remember, if you want to be a good friend, it is critical to understand the ins and outs of trust.

How to establish or re-establish trust: Often times if you break trust, you have to work at re-establishing them. If you haven't broken trust, but you are new to a friendship, it is important to build that trust. Establishing trust, and keep it by being the kind of person who is deserving of it. The following are a few steps to establish and re-establish trust:

1. Put yourself out on a limb. If you want to establish or re-establish trust you can't expect the person who you are trying to establish trust with to do all of the work. It is up to you to put yourself out there and make yourself somewhat vulnerable to show that you are serious about the trust thing. Tell them one of your secrets, or insecurities to allow the doors to open to sharing.
2. Be worthy of trust. If you are trying to establish trust, you have to be worthy of it. When they do tell you something, or confide in you, etc. you can't go running off and blow the whistle on them. It is important that unless you have a critical reason, such as those discussed above, to break the trust, don't!
3. Keep it up. This means continually give and accept trusts so that you are not playing games with the person. It is up to you to continue being worthy of trust, and looking for opportunities to show them you are worthy of it.