How can trust be rebuilt in a marriage?

Well, this is a very complex question...and a serious one.

Short answer 'yes' trust can be built up.

Not knowing why? it has been broken, is also hard to answer.

If it has been badly broken by something serious, then she must work out 3 things.
1.Does she love him still.
2.Does he love her still.
3.Is she willing to move forward, believing he will not do it again.(what ever it is).
If it is yes to those questions, it can be fixed.

Some people have had it happen, and have become even stronger than before...Because they were really in love.

Forgiving is part of life, and we all fall short in one way or another.
Some find out, others don't.
Finding out is a very good thing, now one has to ask''do I want to help mend this mess'.
Time as with anything, has to be your 'key-player' in this.
Once one has made the choice to stay with it, and learn to trust again...You can never ever bring it up again.(What the other has done).

It has to be put to death, never to raise it's ugly head again.
That is the hard part, forgiveness, has to be that.It must not be spoken about again.
That's where it is a 'grown ups' world. Success, is founded in strength.
From both parties.
The one who has done wrong can not be punished over and over, they will have to live with the memories for the rest of their lives, of what they did anyway.

We often think, ''oh they will forget''.They never do.It is impossible to forget.
So the one who has been wronged, in the big picture comes off better in a case like this.They do not have the guilt.
It is something the two of them need to sit down, and work out.No one else can really know, what they can do or want to do.

It is achievable,but hard work and lots of love for both, and time.

by jonaja

Thanks jonaj, that was a very thoughtful answer.

Only proving yourself over time can rebuild trust. It takes a very long time though.

by Bryony Harrison

By being truthful to yourself first.Trust starts with you first.One has to trust oneself and let go of anything that will cause even a small issue with the marriage.Dedication and patience is the key.

by Sasha

Truth, forgiveness and marriage counselling if both couples are willing to make it work.

by Justine Crowley

Many people are averse to marriage counselling, though I think it's a good idea.

I don't know if it can. Not fully anyway.

by Lydia C. Lee

I actually would have a problem rebuilding trust in a relationship.
I don't think it is just a matter of time as I feel the hurt and betrayal would come back for me.
I think I would have to leave the relationship.

by Finy

Yeah, me too.

Maybe for some over time and with counseling.
I admire these couples.
For me the hurt and betrayal will prevent the healing process and I will be a resentful person.
It is best that I walk away form it.

by Zen

The person who broke the trust need to ask for forgiveness and work at rebuilding what was lost by being open with their partner. talk things over. if it was cheating they should limit contact with opposite sex friends; Avoid leaving the room to take a call; keeping secrets such as with credit cards, business trips etc. Spend quality time with the person. Do not force forgiveness. If you are guilty give your partner time to work things out within themselves. If you are on the receiving end, do not hold the issue over your partner by bringing it up whenever the person does something wrong or expecting them to pander to you and be your doormat just because of wht they did.

by dwatk

IMO, definitely not! Once trust is broken, that's the end to it!.

Too many 'doubts' to have to worry about to try & rebuild.
Just plain NOT worth it.........

by donjo

Thanks for the input donjo. Not very helpful for people trying to rebuild trust though, lol.

And your reply is crap.

This pithy site is not 'Marriage Guidance Australia', so therefore I can say what I feel, & believe to be correct in many instances, especially close family situations.

Maybe you should check the number of Divorces in this Country, & climbing, before you answer my comment.

What I've stated is FACT. If you want to live in la-la land of disbelief, your choice. I believe in seeing whatever, 'how it IS'. End of.

Sounds like you have had some bad experiences donjo, but not all relationships are irreparable and sometimes both people in a partnership do want to make it work. I think you made a bit of a sweeping statement with this one.

Really, Norma?
I tell it as it is. End of.

Really donjo? Your take, not everyone's!

Yes, Norma, & one to which I'm entitled. Same as others' expressing their thoughts.
To each her own. And no need to get, shall I say, b@&$/-.............

Pretty sad donjo!

You're the one who's 'sad'. Your pithy reply speaks volumes.
I believe, & deal in REALITY.
Life doesn't always smell like roses, although a person like you wants it to appear that way, so it makes YOU feel 'good'! It stinks, & reeks of c@&$ & BS!

Your fanciful thinking is the minimum, & at maximum, is gross stupidity. End of.

Really, really sad! (and that's my "end of")

Yes you are......

Woooo !