Who Is Considered a Trustworthy Person?

The concept of a trustworthy person is somewhat vague and doesn’t have a single, clear definition. Still, you’ve probably noticed that some people naturally inspire trust in others, even without doing anything extraordinary. For example, imagine you’re at the supermarket asking the clerk, “Which meat here is the freshest?” She answers indifferently, “It’s all the same, all fresh.” But then someone else asks the same question and gets a more honest reply: “It’s all the same, but I wouldn’t recommend this one.” Or maybe you forget your pass at work and security won’t let you in, even though you’ve worked there for five years. Yet someone else, in the same situation, gets through with a simple, “Guys, I forgot my pass!”

There are countless examples like this. The point is, some people just seem to inspire trust. They don’t have special connections or movie-star looks, but people are naturally drawn to them. Let’s look at some of the qualities these people have and how you can adopt them, at least in part.

Stay Calm and Collected

Trustworthy people are calm and confident. They radiate simplicity and openness, giving off a comfortable, familiar vibe. Many believe that if you want quick help or valuable advice, you need to show how important the issue is to you—how worried or anxious you are. While this might work in emergencies or business, in everyday situations, nervousness often works against you. People want to deal with others’ problems quickly and move on. The more anxious you seem, the less likely people are to help.

Relax. Don’t turn a minor issue into a major crisis. Imagine you’re talking to a neighbor you’ve known for years, not a stranger. There’s a fine line here: calmness isn’t indifference or arrogance. It’s the absence of nervousness, plus a bit of relaxed confidence. This attitude always puts people at ease. Even if you’re in a hurry, avoid nervous, jerky movements. Don’t fidget with your phone, clothes, or bag, and don’t show impatience. Speak clearly and at a normal pace. Don’t bite your lips or clench your jaw. Your motto should be “Everything is under control”—and it should show on your face.

Make Eye Contact

At the start of a conversation, look the person in the eye. Your gaze shouldn’t be pleading or aggressive—just neutral with a hint of interest. A good trick is to try to determine the color of the person’s eyes. For example, if they have blue eyes, try to notice the exact shade while you’re talking. Don’t look away for too long, but don’t stare intensely either. The worst option is a shifty gaze, which makes you seem nervous or inattentive.

Appearance Matters

A trustworthy person might be dressed in trendy, expensive clothes—or just jeans, flip-flops, and a plain white t-shirt. The key is neatness: clean hair, nails, and clothes. You should have a pleasant or neutral scent—clean body, no alcohol or tobacco breath, and if you wear perfume, keep it subtle. In short, avoid obvious sloppiness. Being around you should be pleasant or, at the very least, neutral—nothing off-putting.

Posture and Body Language

Don’t slouch. Stand or sit up straight—not stiffly, just naturally. This significantly increases the level of trust people feel toward you. Also, don’t try to make yourself as small as possible or squeeze into a corner. A calm, confident person stands or sits comfortably, in a natural pose. Avoid touching your face too often, wringing your hands, or hiding them in your pockets. Try to keep your hands visible.

Speak When Necessary

Excessive chatter and oversharing don’t help build trust with strangers. Stick to the point. Better yet, ask questions and let the other person do most of the talking while you listen carefully. If you’re making a suggestion, be specific and confident. For example, “Maybe… maybe we could work something out, if possible?” is weak. “Let’s work something out” is much better. If you can learn the person’s name (from a name tag, for example), use it at key moments. “Ivan Petrovich, let’s work something out” is an excellent approach.

Be Friendly

You shouldn’t come across as suspicious or threatening, whether openly or subtly. We’re used to being wary of strangers, expecting the worst. But people will treat you the same way you treat them. If you want to inspire trust, start by trusting others. You don’t have to grin from ear to ear, though a genuine, friendly smile never hurts. Just lower your guard and interact openly, without hidden accusations or hostility. Even the sternest cashier is more likely to treat you kindly and help you out if you approach them this way.