Us Against the World?

Most Americans are suspicious of one another in everyday encounters, according to an AP-GfK poll conducted in October 2013. Only a third of Americans say most people are trustworthy. About 50 percent felt that way in 1972, when the General Social Survey first posed the question. Now nearly two-thirds of us (a record high) say, "you can't be too careful.”

Although the results of this study might seem depressing, they are related to a cornerstone concept we have been teaching for many years:  Trust is not a prerequisite for communication—it is a byproduct of communication.  The implications of this are vast.  Until we begin to communicate—in conscious and respectful ways—with people who have different opinions and worldviews, we are doomed to relationships fraught with mistrust and misunderstanding.   It is when we begin to build communication bridges with people that we are able to create trust—even from conflict.

We want to hear: Do you recall a time when communicating with someone you did not especially trust at first ultimately led to a more trusting relationship? Share your responses to the weekly discussion question here.