Which of the following is a step to building trust?

• A. Risk/Trust
• B. Conveying empathy
• C. Showing respect
• D. Being humble

Answer: (A)

Trust in relationships grows when you demonstrate that you understand and care about the other person. Conveying empathy means you actively listen, acknowledge how they feel, and respond in a way that shows you truly grasp their perspective. This creates a sense of safety and being valued, which makes the other person more willing to open up, rely on you, and cooperate. Among the options, this empathetic approach is the strongest, because it directly addresses the emotional experience of the other person—a foundation for trust. While showing respect and being humble also support trust, empathy moves the relationship forward by validating feelings and demonstrating genuine care. The idea of “risk” or taking chances isn’t a specific action that builds trust the same way empathic communication does, so it doesn’t serve as a clear step to establish trust on its own.