Hand out trust like a new job hands out shifts. A few at first, more as they prove they show up.

Trust works better given in increments than handed over whole. All of it at once turns every new person into a gamble, and none of it leaves you alone. The middle option is to start small and let their behavior decide the rest. That is not suspicion, it is pacing.

With someone new, offer something you could afford to lose: a small favor, a minor confidence, a plan that matters a little. Notice what comes back. Increase what you give in proportion to what you see rather than to how much you like them.