I agree totally with you in part, trust cannot be guaranteed, I think very little can be guaranteed, well except that the cost of petrol will increase *smile* The judgement to commence trusting’ yes is a choice, many factors determine personal choice within this process, maybe even previous experiences come into play. Learnt indicators that trigger a warning from previous incidents would/should trigger a psychological reaction in response to a perceived outcome.

However, I consider trust can be earnt, I suppose I would akin it to testing the water before you jump in, but as said mentioned, you have to actually put your foot in the water to test if first. Trust is overall reliance upon another, should that trust be betrayed I consider two factors, was it betrayed due to a lack of competence or dishonesty. Personally this would be a contributory factor to whether I continued to trust that person again. Hence, they are earning my trust further or not as the case maybe.

With regard to the relevance of ‘becoming’ a switch as a form of defence I would question. I can only speak from a personal level, as this may not be accurate of others. I didn’t become’ a switch I simply am, my trust towards others whether domme/sub does not deviate, as I mention above I merely make a judgement to or not to trust. In both roles I am as susceptible to being hurt therefore it can’t be a defence mechanism.

Well that’s my thoughts, anyway.

Sett