How Do I Know Who I Can Trust?
Trust & Wisdom
Episode 10: How Do I Know Who I Can Trust?
Trust & Wisdom • Age 13-14
1
Daughter
Dad, how do you know who to trust?
Dad
That's a big question. What's on your mind?
Daughter
There's this new girl at school. Everyone loves her. But something feels... off.
Dad
Trust your gut. It's usually right.
Daughter
But what if I'm just being paranoid?
Scene: Kitchen, after school. Daughter with homework spread out.
2
Dad
When I was fourteen, this new kid moved to town. Marcus. He was cool, funny, everyone wanted to be his friend.
Daughter
Were you friends with him?
Dad
Yeah. He told me all these amazing stories about his old school, his adventures.
Daughter
Were they true?
Dad
Not even a little bit.
Scene: Flashback: Young Dad and Marcus laughing together.
3
Dad
I lent him money. Told him secrets. Defended him when people said he was lying.
Daughter
What happened?
Dad
He stole from my locker. Told everyone my secrets. Then moved away before anyone could confront him.
Daughter
That's awful!
Dad
I felt so stupid. Like I should have known.
Scene: Young Dad discovering his locker has been broken into.
4
Dad
Grandma found me crying in my room. I told her I'd never trust anyone again.
Grandma
That would be a shame.
Young Dad
Why? Everyone just lies and uses you!
Grandma
Not everyone. Just some people. And there are signs.
Scene: Grandma sitting on edge of young Dad's bed.
5
Young Dad
What signs?
Grandma
Trust is built slowly. People who rush it? Red flag. People whose stories don't add up? Red flag.
Young Dad
Marcus's stories never quite made sense...
Grandma
Your gut was telling you something. You just didn't want to listen.
Young Dad
Because I wanted a friend.
Scene: Grandma holding young Dad's hand.
6
Daughter
So I should listen to my gut?
Dad
Yes. But also watch for patterns.
Daughter
Like what?
Dad
Do their actions match their words? Do they respect boundaries? How do they treat people who can't do anything for them?
Scene: Back to present, Dad counting on fingers.
7
Dad
My friend Rachel? She taught me the best test.
Daughter
What test?
Dad
Tell them something small and see if it stays private. If it doesn't, you know.
Daughter
That's smart!
Dad
She's a therapist now. Very smart lady.
Scene: Dad scrolling through old messages.
8
Daughter
But what if I'm wrong? What if this girl is actually nice and I'm just being mean?
Dad
Then you'll find out over time. Trust isn't all or nothing.
Daughter
What do you mean?
Dad
You can be friendly without being vulnerable. You can be kind without sharing everything.
Scene: Daughter processing this information.
9
Dad
Trust is earned, not given. And that's okay.
Daughter
How long does it take to earn trust?
Dad
Depends on the person. But real trust? It takes time. Consistency. Proof.
Daughter
Like you and Uncle Tommy?
Dad
Exactly. We've been through everything together. I know he's solid.
Scene: Dad holding daughter's hand across the table.
He thinks about all the people he's trusted, all the time it took. Time they had. Time that's running out.
10
Daughter
So I should just... take it slow with this girl?
Dad
Exactly. Be polite. Be kind. But protect yourself until she proves she's trustworthy.
Daughter
And if she's not?
Dad
Then you'll know. And you'll be okay.
Daughter
Because I have you.
Scene: Daughter smiling, more confident now.
11
Dad
Always. But also because you have yourself.
Daughter
What do you mean?
Dad
You trusted your gut enough to ask me about this. That's wisdom.
Daughter
I learned from the best.
Dad
You're going to be just fine, kiddo.
Scene: They smile at each other warmly.
12
Daughter
Dad? Thanks for always being honest with me.
Dad
That's what trust is built on. Honesty.
Daughter
I trust you more than anyone.
Dad
And I trust you. With my whole heart.
Daughter
Even when I mess up?
Dad
Especially then.
Scene: They go back to homework, comfortable and connected.
He watches her work, memorizing the way she bites her lip when she concentrates. Every detail. Every moment.