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HappinessHow do you rebuild trust when you've been hurt deeply? It's the worst when someone lets you down and leaves you with an emotional wound. However, healing is possible — our collection of thematic quotes can be a first small step for you. These broken trust quotes offer wisdom and comfort that you might need right now:
Top broken trust quotes to remember
"I may have trust issues, but some people seem to have an issue with the responsibility of being trusted." — Melchor Lim
"That's the thing about trust. It's like broken glass. You can put it back together, but the cracks are always visible--like scars that never fully heal." ― Hope Collier, Haven
"It may take only months to rebuild a devastated city and restore life and normality, but rebuilding trust can take an eternity — and may never become reality." ― Mouloud Benzadi
"Betraying someone once can be a mistake. Betraying someone twice is a choice." ― Garima Soni
"You must forgive those who hurt you, even if whatever they did to you is unforgivable in your mind. You will forgive them not because they deserve to be forgiven, but because you don't want to suffer and hurt yourself every time …" ― Miguel Ruiz, 'The Mastery of Love'
What are the most powerful 'broken trust' quotes?
6"Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none." — William Shakespeare
There is nothing wrong with sharing love with everyone in your surroundings, but be careful who you open your heart to.
7"The trust of the innocent is the liar's most useful tool." — Stephen King
It's always the good ones who get hurt the most. Take care of your well-being and don't let anyone play games with your feelings.
8"It takes ten times as long to put yourself back together as it does to fall apart." — Suzanne Collins
Healing takes time, but this recovery process is exactly what you need when you feel betrayed.
9"Instead of thinking how you can change yourself in order to please your partner, as so many relationship books advise, think: Can this person provide what I need in order to be happy?" ― Amir Levine
Sometimes it's not about you or them either — it's about compatibility. Are you on the same page? Does this person make me happy? In just 15 minutes, you can receive the advice you need in our summary of 'Attached.'
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Powerful quotes about romantic betrayal
What are the most powerful quotes about romantic betrayal and broken trust?
10"The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them." — Ernest Hemingway
There is no recipe for trust — you just do it, and only then form a conclusion.
11"I'm not upset that you lied to me, I'm upset that from now on I can't believe you." — Friedrich Nietzsche
Sometimes, it's not the lie that hurts, but the feeling of deception and manipulation. Later, it'll be much harder to earn back the trust.
12"Broken trust is like melted chocolate. No matter how you try to freeze it, it will never return to its original shape." — Garima Soni
Is it ever possible to rebuild trust? It depends, but the metaphor in this trust quote surely hints that it's almost impossible.
13"Trust is like a mirror. You can fix it if it's broken, but you can still see the crack in that reflection." — Lady Gaga
Similar to the previous quote, you can try to trust again, but the scars will constantly remind you of your pain.
14"When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time." — Maya Angelou
Don't think you can fix someone — if they tell you they can't be trusted, then don't play with fire because you're the one who will be burnt.
15"You can take everything I have,
You can break everything I am,
Like I'm made of glass, like I'm made of paper
Go on and try to tear me down, I'll be rising from the ground
Like a skyscraper."— Demi Lovato
No matter how badly they hurt you, you can still stand up and continue on your way.
16"We are born in relationship, we are wounded in relationship, and we can be healed in relationship." — Harville Hendrix
When trust issues appear, it isn't easy to rebuild the relationship. But remember that some relationships can heal you and provide purpose. For more insights like these, delve into our summary of 'Getting the Love You Want.'
Quotes about broken trust in friendship
What do the best books teach us about trust and friendship betrayal?
17"It is more shameful to distrust our friends than to be deceived by them." — Confucius
When you love someone, it's easy to ignore the red flags. But trusting someone still takes strength and caution.
18"Don't trust people who tell you other people's secrets." — Ziad K. Abdelnour
This indicates that your secrets will be spilled too — don't let them betray you.
19"You may be deceived if you trust too much, but you will live in torment if you don't trust enough." — Frank Crane
Be protective of your trust, but don't be greedy with it — find common ground.
20"True friends stab you in the front." — Oscar Wilde
Unfortunately, the closest ones can hurt you the most. And sometimes they won't even be ashamed of their actions. Here are some self-worth quotes as a reminder to care about your feelings.
21"Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival." — C.S. Lewis
It's kind of a paradox, but true. Trust is not a physical necessity to survive, but it definitely makes you happy and improves your life.
22"He who does not trust enough will not be trusted." — Lao Tzu
Always be picky with your surroundings — if you hesitate to trust, don't. Be protective of yourself first.
23"Many of us have experienced poisonous relationships in some way or other, and it may have negatively affected our desire to ever have a human connection at all. Let me encourage you: don't allow the pain from your past relationships to make you forfeit your future ones." ― Michael Todd
There is nothing worse than the pain of betrayal, but you can overcome the challenge. Start by letting go of your fears and any broken promises. Our 'Relationship Goals' summary may have the answers you need — read or listen to it today!
Quotes on rebuilding self-trust after being broken
How do you recover self-worth when trust is broken?
24"Self-trust is the first secret of success." — Ralph Waldo Emerson
When your gut tells you something, you better believe it!
25"Top 15 Things Money Can't Buy: Time. Happiness. Inner Peace. Integrity. Love. Character. Manners. Health. Respect. Morals. Trust. Patience. Class. Common sense. Dignity." — Roy T. Bennett "Trust yourself"
You can't put a price on trust, especially on self-trust, so value it.
26"When you doubt your power, you give power to your doubt." — Honore de Balzac
We tend to overthink and not trust our instincts, but listen to your heart when it warns you.
27"Every beginning has an end and every end has a new beginning, don't worry, broken soul, life will one day come to an end." — Santosh Kalwar
One day, you'll be healed — yes, it's easier to say than to experience it, but a new beginning is already waiting for you.
28"You have been criticizing yourself for years, and it hasn't worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens." — Louise L. Hay
When you forgive yourself, you'll feel stronger and be able to face every possible challenge in life.
29"The worst loneliness is not to be comfortable with yourself." — Mark Twain
Sharing love and trust with a loved one is crucial, but try to treat yourself the same.
30"There is a connection between freedom and self-confidence: When you are kept from expressing your deepest needs and wishes, you lose trust in their validity and in your own judgement." — David Richo
Self-worth and self-love should always be a priority — don't let anyone change that. Living a life of secrets and hidden desires will lead nowhere. Learn how to prioritize yourself with our 'How to Be an Adult in Relationships' summary.
How can quotes help you heal broken trust?
Some of these inspirational quotes might sound like harsh truths. But trust takes a long time to build, so your broken heart might take a while to heal. This is exactly what these quotes teach — it's hard to trust people, but it shouldn't stop you from self-growth. Whether it's a broken promise from your partner, best friend, or even yourself, there is still a place for self-love and rebuilding trust, even if it takes time.
Discover more practical advice on the Headway app — read or listen to bite-sized book summaries to help with your relationships with your partner, friends, or yourself.
Ready to rebuild trust? Let Headway book summaries help you
Whether you're struggling or not, you need to find a way to cope. These motivational quotes might be one of the first destinations on your self-journey. With quick, 15-minute summaries, you can make a first move toward healing today. On the Headway app, book summaries of best-sellers like 'Relationship Goals' and 'Attached' are full of wisdom and insights. They will guide you on your back-to-trust journey!
Frequently asked questions about broken trust quotes
What can you say when trust is broken?
Start by acknowledging the truth: "I know I've hurt you and broken your trust, and I'm ready to make things right." This is a good first step. Avoid saying something vague or inconsistent — it'll only make things worse. Show empathy and willingness to change (but only if you really mean it!).
How can quotes help you heal broken trust?
Quotes often reflect what we might feel but do not have the words to describe. Inspirational quotes on broken trust remind us that pain is part of the human experience and offer comfort that's much needed in that moment. Thus, they remind us that we're not alone and that someone has already been through something similar.
Can trust be rebuilt after betrayal in a relationship?
Yes, trust can be rebuilt even after betrayal. However, it takes a lot of effort from both parties involved. As Harville Hendrix famously said, "We are born in relationship, we are wounded in relationship, and we can be healed in relationship." But be careful, as second chances are rare, and third ones often don't exist.
How can you apologize for breaking someone's trust?
To apologize for broken trust, you should be completely honest and not try to manipulate anyone, including yourself. Acknowledge the hurt you caused and express your commitment to change. Sometimes, a person who betrays someone's trust may also feel low, so it's important to do what's good for your well-being.
Is it possible to forgive someone you can't trust anymore?
Yes, it is possible to forgive someone, even if you don't trust them anymore. Forgiveness is essential for both parties, regardless of whether you feel hurt the most. It's about your inner peace and well-being, helping you move forward freely.
