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Trust is an important element of the human experience (in real life and in the book). Is trust based on intentions, actions, or both?

Both. Some people you trust instinctively, some people you trust against all evidence contrary because you absolutely need to, whether out of desperation or love, some people need to earn your trust, even if you know they're generally good intentioned. The coolest part of the 5th wave is that all examples are present and play a vital part in the plot.

Madeleine wrote: "Both. Some people you trust instinctively, some people you trust against all evidence contrary because you absolutely need to, whether out of desperation or love, some people need to earn your trus..."

This is such a great answer!

Actions because yeah, you trust people naturally like your mom, sister, etc. Your trust in them depends on their actions, and if they do something drastically to break that
t trust, it'll probably be hard for you to trust them again.

Definitely both - you cannot have action without intention.

You simply do not act without intention. Intention is the reasoning behind your action. Action reveals several facts about the individuals heart and therefor help you to decide if you trust them or not. However, I don't think anyone can ever truly trust an individual for there is always betrayal to follow. There are secrets in life that will never be revealed to you. The naked eye is very blind. Caution is a must. To answer your question is mere impossible because trust doesn't exist. It's nothing but a dream built among children who used and abused souls of many types. Even to this day, the cruelest of people use "trust" to lure you in. Humanity is quiet cruel.

Either. Some people are really easy to like and you want to believe that you can trust them also. If someone can't be trusted, what can they do? Trust is everything - apocalypse world or not. On the other hand, if someone proves they can/cannot be trusted through their actions, obviously you won't. One of my best friends is in the group of the best people I have ever met, but she couldn't keep a secret to save her life. God do I love her, but I value friends just a bit more if I can trust them. Instinct AND actions, I think.