I’ve always been fascinated by how some people seem to effortlessly gain trust, even from complete strangers.
These aren’t grand gestures or complicated techniques, but simple, everyday actions that anyone can adopt.
Let’s explore ten habits that can help you become the person others naturally trust, even from the very first interaction.
1) Authenticity
Trust is built on authenticity. In a world full of masks, being genuine stands out.
The people who instantly build trust with strangers are those who aren’t afraid to be themselves. They don’t put on a persona or try to impress others.
Instead, they’re comfortable in their own skin and aren’t afraid to show their real selves.
This authenticity draws people in. It sends a signal that says, “I’m real, I’m honest, and you can trust me.”
However, it’s not the same as pretending to be authentic—it’s truly being yourself. When you’re genuine, trust follows naturally.
2) Active listening
One habit that has always served me well in building trust is active listening.
Just last week, I was at a conference and ended up in a conversation with a total stranger. She was talking about her startup and the challenges she was facing.
Instead of interrupting or offering unsolicited advice, I chose to actively listen.
I nodded in agreement, asked thoughtful questions, and offered empathetic responses. I showed genuine interest in her story, not just waiting for my turn to speak.
By the end of our conversation, you could see the appreciation in her eyes.
She thanked me for “really listening” and we exchanged cards. We’ve since connected on LinkedIn and have discussed potential collaboration opportunities.
Active listening makes people feel valued and understood – two critical elements in building trust.
It’s not simply hearing words; it’s grasping the emotions and intentions they carry. When people feel deeply heard, they feel seen and validated, and this fosters trust quickly.
3) Consistency
Trust is often built on predictability.
When we’re consistent in our actions, words, and behaviours, we provide a sense of stability and reliability that others can depend on.
Research from the field of psychology supports this idea. Studies have found that people tend to trust those who are consistent in their actions and behaviours over time, compared to those who are unpredictable or inconsistent.
Consistency shows that you’re stable, reliable, and dependable—all qualities that build trust.
Whether it’s showing up on time for appointments or following through on promises, consistency in your actions demonstrates to others that you can be trusted.
4) Open body language
The way we carry ourselves speaks volumes before we even say a word. Open body language is a powerful tool for building trust instantly.
People who have the habit of using open body language come across as approachable and friendly.
They make eye contact, use natural gestures, and maintain an open posture. They don’t cross their arms or legs, which can be perceived as defensive or closed off.
This non-verbal communication sends a strong message of trustworthiness. It tells people that you’re comfortable with yourself and open to them.
Open body language doesn’t just affect how others perceive you. It also affects how you feel about yourself. Studies show that adopting an open posture can actually make you feel more confident and less stressed.
So, practice open body language to create an environment of trust around you. It can be as simple as maintaining eye contact in a conversation, uncrossing your arms, or giving someone a warm smile.
Small changes can make a big difference in building trust with strangers.
5) Expressing empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s a crucial element in building trust, especially with strangers.
People who habitually express empathy show a genuine understanding and care for others. They can put themselves in someone else’s shoes, understand their perspective, and respond in a compassionate way.
Expressing empathy can be as simple as acknowledging someone’s feelings or as profound as offering comfort in a difficult time.
When we show empathy, we communicate that we see the other person, we understand them, and we care about their experience.
This kind of emotional connection can build trust rapidly. So, make it a habit to express empathy in your interactions with others.
Not only will it help you build trust, but it will also deepen your relationships and make you a better listener.
6) Genuine compliments
We all crave recognition and appreciation.
And nothing builds trust quicker than a heartfelt, genuine compliment.
People who are great at building instant trust know the power of a sincere compliment. They notice the good in others and aren’t shy about expressing it.
Recently, I met a woman at a networking event. She was wearing a beautiful pendant, and I mentioned how it caught my eye. Her face lit up, and we started talking about her passion for vintage jewelry.
That simple compliment was the ice breaker that led to a meaningful conversation.
However, compliments should come from the heart. When you genuinely appreciate something about someone and express it, you create an instant connection. This connection is the foundation of trust.
7) Honesty
Honesty is the cornerstone of trust. Without it, building trust is nearly impossible.
I remember when I was starting my first business. I was young and inexperienced, and I made a lot of mistakes. One of the biggest was promising a client a delivery date that I couldn’t meet.
When I realized my mistake, I had two options: hide it and hope for the best, or be upfront and honest with the client. I chose the latter. It wasn’t easy, but I explained the situation, apologized, and offered a solution.
The client appreciated my honesty. Instead of losing their trust, I actually strengthened it. They knew they could rely on me to be truthful, even when it was difficult.
Being honest, especially when it’s hard, shows integrity. And integrity is a quality that people deeply respect and trust.
8) Admitting you don’t know
In a world where everyone seems to have an answer for everything, saying “I don’t know” can seem like a weakness.
But surprisingly, it’s quite the opposite.
People who build trust quickly understand the power of admitting when they don’t have the answers. It shows humility and honesty, which are both key ingredients for trust.
Nobody knows everything. Pretending to have all the answers can come off as arrogant and untrustworthy.
On the other hand, admitting that you don’t know something shows that you’re human, just like everyone else.
So next time you’re in a situation where you don’t have the answer, don’t be afraid to admit it. It might feel uncomfortable, but it will help you build trust.
9) Respect for boundaries
Respecting others’ boundaries is a sure-fire way to build trust quickly. It shows that you value their personal space and comfort.
People who are good at building trust with strangers understand the importance of respecting boundaries. They don’t push too hard or too fast. Instead, they take time to understand the other person’s comfort zone and stay within it.
This can apply to physical boundaries, like personal space, as well as emotional boundaries, like not prying into sensitive topics.
Respecting boundaries shows that you have empathy and consideration for others.
It sends a clear message that the other person’s comfort and safety is important to you, which helps to build trust quickly.
10) Keeping commitments
The most important habit for building trust, bar none, is keeping your commitments.
Whether big or small, when you follow through on your promises, you show others that you’re reliable and trustworthy.
A commitment can be as small as showing up on time for a coffee date, or as big as delivering a project on schedule.
Regardless of the size, keeping your word sends a powerful message of dependability.
People who build trust quickly understand the importance of commitments. They make promises carefully and do everything in their power to keep them.
They know that every kept promise strengthens trust, while every broken one weakens it.
Final thoughts
Trust isn’t something you demand—it’s something you earn, moment by moment.
And while it takes time to truly cement, these habits can lay the groundwork for strong, meaningful connections right from the start.
Think of every interaction as an opportunity to show authenticity, empathy, and reliability.
Whether it’s through a genuine compliment, keeping your commitments, or simply listening more than you speak, each habit sends the message: “You can count on me.”
Trust is fragile, but its value is immeasurable. So the next time you meet someone new, ask yourself: Am I showing up in a way that builds trust?
