Difficult Conversations Can Build Trust

DREAM4’s Coaches have been working through Brad Stulberg’s The Practice of Groundedness this year. Get a copy to read, or listen on any audiobook platform, to develop skills that can support your pursuit of a better life.

“True friends stab you in the front.” – Oscar Wilde

What do we want in our friends? People who are genuine? Who will be there for us? People who will listen without judgment? Community?

We can’t expect this from others if we are not willing to do the same, right? The key element in building deep, long-lasting friendships and community is vulnerability.  

We don’t wear masks. We let others see the “real me.” We allow others to tell us the truth, knowing that they are doing it to help us grow, not tear us down. This vulnerability enables honesty and trust to flourish.  

In turn, we allow our friends to be open and honest with us – to remove their masks and let us accept them for who they are. 

It sounds great on paper, but can it happen? Yes. It will take small steps to build vulnerability-based trust, but it won’t happen until we start being authentic with our circle of friends.

Brad Stulberg notes that “we are mirrors reflecting one another. The people with whom we surround ourselves shape us, and we shape those around us, too.” 

When you build this community, your confidence in YOU will grow. You will discover more than belonging and connection. You will learn more about who you are.