Trust is everything. It shapes how people see you, how they interact with you, and whether they want to work with you or build a relationship with you.
But here’s the tricky part—sometimes, you could be sending the wrong signals without even realizing it. Little habits, things you do without thinking, might be making you seem unreliable or insincere.
And once trust is broken (or even slightly shaken), it’s hard to rebuild.
The good news? Awareness is the first step to change. If you want to make sure you’re not accidentally pushing people away, watch out for these eight small but powerful habits that might be making you come across as untrustworthy.
1) Avoiding eye contact
Eye contact is one of the simplest ways to build trust. It shows confidence, attentiveness, and sincerity. But if you constantly look away, glance at your phone, or avoid meeting someone’s gaze, you might be sending the wrong message.
People might assume you’re hiding something, uninterested, or even being dishonest—all without you saying a single word. And the worst part? You probably don’t even realize you’re doing it.
Of course, not everyone is comfortable with prolonged eye contact, and that’s okay. But making an effort to maintain steady (yet natural) eye contact during conversations can make a huge difference in how trustworthy you seem.
2) Overpromising and underdelivering
I used to think saying “yes” to everything made me seem reliable. A friend needed help moving? Of course, I’d be there. A coworker asked if I could finish a project early? No problem.
But then reality would hit—I couldn’t actually follow through on half the things I promised. I’d show up late, rush my work, or sometimes forget altogether. And even though I had good intentions, people started seeing me as flaky and unreliable.
That’s when I realized: it’s better to be honest about what you can handle than to make promises you can’t keep. If you constantly commit to things and then don’t deliver, people will start doubting your word—even if you mean well.
3) Fidgeting too much
Body language speaks louder than words, and constant fidgeting can make you seem nervous, distracted, or even deceptive.
Things like tapping your foot, playing with your hair, or shifting in your seat too often can make people subconsciously question your credibility.
In fact, research has shown that people tend to associate excessive fidgeting with dishonesty, even when there’s no actual lie being told. It’s an instinctive reaction—when someone appears uneasy, our brains pick up on it and assume something is off.
Of course, fidgeting doesn’t mean you’re being dishonest. But if you want to come across as more trustworthy and confident, practicing stillness and being mindful of your movements can go a long way.
4) Being inconsistent with your words and actions
People pay more attention to what you do than what you say. You can talk about how reliable, honest, or hardworking you are all day long—but if your actions don’t match up, no one will believe it.
For example, if you constantly say you value punctuality but show up late, or if you promise to keep something confidential but casually mention it later, people will start questioning whether they can trust you.
Over time, even small inconsistencies can chip away at your credibility.
Trust isn’t built on words alone—it’s built on follow-through. If you want people to believe in you, make sure your actions align with what you say.
5) Deflecting blame
I used to think that if I had a good excuse, it wasn’t really my fault. Missed a deadline? Well, I was swamped with other work. Forgot to respond to a message? I had too much going on.
But over time, I noticed something—people didn’t care about the excuses. They just saw someone who wouldn’t take responsibility.
When you constantly shift blame onto circumstances, other people, or bad timing, it signals that you’re not accountable. And if people feel like you won’t own up to mistakes, they’ll hesitate to trust you with bigger responsibilities.
Now, I try to be upfront when I mess up. A simple “That’s on me—I’ll fix it” goes a long way in showing people that you’re reliable and honest, even when things don’t go perfectly.
6) Being too agreeable
It might seem like always agreeing with people would make them trust you more, but the opposite is often true. If you never voice your own opinions or push back when necessary, people might start wondering if you’re just telling them what they want to hear.
I’ve seen this happen in group discussions—someone nods along with everything, never offering a real stance of their own.
At first, it seems polite and cooperative, but over time, people start questioning whether they’re being genuine or just trying to please everyone.
Honest disagreement, when done respectfully, actually builds trust. It shows that you have your own thoughts and aren’t afraid to stand by them. If you want people to take you seriously, don’t be afraid to speak up—even if it means not always agreeing.
7) Avoiding difficult conversations
Nobody enjoys uncomfortable conversations, but dodging them can do more harm than good. Whether it’s giving constructive feedback, addressing a misunderstanding, or setting boundaries, avoiding tough discussions can make you seem unreliable or even deceptive.
People notice when you skirt around issues or sugarcoat the truth. They may start to wonder if you’re hiding something or if they can trust you to be honest when it really matters.
The reality is, trust isn’t just built on positive interactions—it’s also built on your willingness to have real, sometimes uncomfortable, conversations. Facing challenges head-on shows integrity and makes people more confident in your honesty.
8) Not keeping your word
At the end of the day, trust comes down to one simple thing: doing what you say you’ll do. If people can’t count on your words to mean something, nothing else matters.
Whether it’s a small promise or a major commitment, following through is what separates trustworthy people from those who just talk a good game. Missed commitments, no matter how minor, add up over time and make people second-guess whether they can rely on you.
If you want to be seen as trustworthy, there’s no shortcut—just keep your word, every single time.
Trust is built in the smallest moments
Trust isn’t just about grand gestures or big promises. More often than not, it’s the little things—following through on commitments, being honest even when it’s uncomfortable, and showing consistency in your words and actions—that shape how people see you.
And the tricky part? Most of the habits that damage trust happen without us even realizing it. That’s why self-awareness is key. The more you recognize these small behaviors, the easier it becomes to change them.
At its core, trust is built in the smallest moments. And those moments add up—shaping your reputation, your relationships, and the way people rely on you every single day.
