A great writer, C.S. Lewis, points out that  friendship is life’s most precious gift. And  he says it in a very special way: “Friendship is the instrument by which God reveals to us the beauties of others.”… And in the case of romantic relationships, those qualities make us fall in love, if we nurture that love, if we work on it every day.

Trust is born from the unconditional acceptance of each person. In a family, each of us is accepted and loved for who we are, for the greatness of each individual. This unconditional acceptance is what gives us security in life and makes it possible for us to value ourselves, at any age, and to have worthwhile and inspiring goals.

In the light of the trust and affection they give us,  we develop into unique individuals,  with our own qualities and talents. They help us improve as people: they teach us to love, to  put our hearts into others .

A romantic relationship  is built on a foundation of friendship. And friendship paves the way for trust.  The love of friendship is generous, unconditional, and selfless, while also being based on shared experiences. And being surrounded by affection makes it all the more endearing and enriching. 

Therefore, it’s about  appreciating and valuing the other person as  ” other ,”  letting them be  themselves  , thanking them for their talents, their effort, their thoughtful gestures. It’s also necessary to trust them so they can fulfill their potential: to be themselves.

Trust  gives us the freedom to  shape ourselves as individuals  and to guide our lives. It also empowers us to make the right decisions and put them into action: in other words, to become better people.

Likewise, to pursue a worthwhile goal, with will and perseverance. For example,  to love more and better , with an authentic, high-quality love, with greater depth and resonance. Helping the loved one reach their full potential, their best self.

We trust them when we showcase their best performances. When we see their best: all the good they are and do, their strengths, their unique qualities, and their bright spots. Because affection allows us to see all their beauty, sometimes hidden. To know that there is so much good and beautiful in them, struggling to emerge.  

By trusting them, we allow them to progress and grow as individuals.  It’s like looking at them and discovering their qualities and unique qualities. We then present them with that ideal, enabling them to develop it with the strength of love, gradually reaching their full potential. 

Trust, along with affection,  encourages everyone to give their best.  It’s like  giving them  ” wings”  to grow.  It also fosters optimism, because it empowers them to see possibilities and challenges, and to overcome problems with enthusiasm and perseverance until they succeed.

In this way, we won’t try to control him, because that would stifle him, but rather we’ll let him be free. We know he’s valuable, and we accept him as he is.  We expect the best from  him ,  without pigeonholing him, labeling him, judging him, or being rigid, so that he can achieve it.

And we reveal ourselves,  we share our innermost thoughts and feelings,  without masks or protection. And the other person will do the same, if they feel welcomed and loved, if there is mutual trust.

To love is to trust, to treat them a little better than they are in that moment,  to encourage them to become their best selves. And it is  to express the joy of  being by their side, with gratitude. That’s why it’s so important to nurture the  home environment, to create a sense of home  to achieve that delicate, joyful, and trusting “microclimate”  where people thrive in the warmth of affection.

Trust also means knowing how to forgive,  allowing for a new beginning, believing in someone for who they are or what they’ve done in that moment… because  we are all fragile  and can make mistakes. And hurt the person we love most. However, wisdom lies in making amends, simply.  Mistrust  breeds miscommunication. Secrets and grudges are like  barriers that separate us when we refuse to talk about them. Then we avoid those topics, and miscommunication takes hold, each person going their own way. Without common ground.  

On that note, an idea from C.K. Chesterton: love “is most in need of  slow development, patience, long periods of time, magnanimous commitment , and kind manners ”…  which can only be achieved in an atmosphere of trust and affection. Little or nothing is accomplished with sour faces and nervousness. What is achieved is affability, calmness, affection, and tenderness.

One consequence of trust and affection is  happiness  and joy,  which arise as we care for the other person… It is proportional to our own generosity and devotion, because, ultimately, that is what  love is . Those who trust receive loyalty and love, and make those they love better.

It is also  a source of peace,  which  rekindles positive feelings of mutual admiration and devotion. It is like a two-way current immersed in affection, a give and take that is always positive,  weaving together and strengthening that love.