"Trust has to be earned, and should come only after the passage of time"

Trust, as Arthur Ashe suggests, is not something to be given away lightly or impulsively. It is a value that gains its strength and meaning through deliberate actions and sustained reliability over time. By emphasizing that trust must be earned, Ashe points to the necessity of genuine effort and consistency in relationships, whether personal, professional, or social. When someone seeks trust from another, they engage in an ongoing process marked by honesty, dependability, and respect for boundaries. Shortcuts or demands for immediate trust often undermine the foundation that true trust requires.

Time functions as a critical component in this equation. As individuals interact over days, months, or even years, patterns begin to emerge. Words align with actions, promises are kept or broken, and intentions become clear through repeated choices. Only through these accumulated experiences can people accurately judge the character and motives of others. Trust, then, is a recognition that someone has repeatedly demonstrated integrity and goodwill, making them worthy of confidence and emotional investment.

Moreover, the slow development of trust protects individuals from potential harm. Rashly granting trust can leave one vulnerable to betrayal, manipulation, or disappointment. Allowing time to pass gives both parties opportunities to test the relationship, confront misunderstandings, and weather obstacles together. As challenges arise and are overcome, trust solidifies and becomes resilient, able to withstand future trials.

Ashe’s perspective reminds us of the value and rarity of true trust. Rather than expecting it as an entitlement, one must be patient, understanding that every interaction forms part of the foundation upon which trust is built. In a world where immediate gratification often takes precedence, the wisdom of waiting, of letting trust mature organically, ensures that when it is finally given, it is deep, lasting, and meaningful.