There’s something that often feels too personal about being vulnerable. It’s a feeling that is so open and exposed, that many people dread feeling vulnerable and will go to great lengths to avoid it – even with their own relationship partners and therapists.
But being vulnerable is not necessarily bad. In fact, it may be one of our best possible emotions. Those that allow themselves to feel vulnerable may have an advantage in life compared to those that are too guarded.
Benefits of Vulnerability
Vulnerability opens us up to our deepest emotions. And when we open ourselves up to our deeper emotions, we can then allow ourselves to feel, to change, and to learn more about ourselves.
Vulnerability allows us the opportunity to seek fulfillment from our goals, behaviors, relationships. Embracing that vulnerability makes it possible not to wall away from failure or the negative things that may come up, because we’re ready and able to take on whatever it is that comes next.
Vulnerability also makes it possible to connect with others on a much deeper level, and also let others into our world so that they can be there for us (and us for them) should a need ever arise. Couples that are willing to be vulnerable with their partners often find it is much more fulfilling, as they are sharing something with each other that no one else gets to see and letting their partner be there to create genuinely strong feelings of happiness and love.
Finally, we become able to showcase a side of ourselves that not everyone gets to see, communicate to others in a more accurate way, and be more open to letting ourselves be there for others in a way that continues to deepen the relationship.
What Happens if It’s Hard to Be Vulnerable?
There are many people that close themselves off. They may have a wall, or they may simply not let anyone affect them in a way that could potentially cause them pain.
It’s true that being vulnerable means opening yourself up to the potential for sadness and hurt. But it is also true that those that are vulnerable have the potential to experience life in a much deeper way.
In therapy, we can work through different issues that may be causing you to put a wall up. We can also work with you to help you embrace your vulnerability so that it’s not something you’re afraid of. By addressing it in a comprehensive way, we can make sure that your life is as rich and fulfilling as possible. Call today to learn more.
