When you think about being vulnerable, your first thought might be of an animal stuck in a trap, or a soldier without any armor on a battlefield. Sure, no one would really want to be trapped in either of these situations, but in a relationship, vulnerability can help you thrive.
Vulnerability is a part of any successful relationship, whether that’s with a therapist, a parent, or even when your partnering with a matchmaker. It allows you to knock down the barriers that often
What is Vulnerability
While vulnerability takes many forms, it doesn’t mean weakness. It means being willing to open yourself up. We don’t open ourselves up with everyone – and that makes sense. You wouldn’t drop every sad detail of your life to the guy sitting next to you on the bus, after all.
While vulnerability takes many forms, it doesn’t mean weakness. It means being willing to open yourself up. We don’t open ourselves up with everyone – and that makes sense. You wouldn’t drop every sad detail of your life to the guy sitting next to you on the bus, after all.
The benefits of being vulnerable
While every relationship is different, most will find some sort of benefit in being vulnerable. This doesn’t mean you have to show your partner the weak side of you. On the contrary, vulnerability shows strength. It allows you and your partner to connect, because when you are vulnerable, you let someone else know more about you.
Getting to know someone better is a crucial aspect of growing to love them. You can’t call a book your favorite if you’ve never read it, right? You wouldn’t name pizza as your favorite food if you’d never tasted it before. Vulnerability makes way for love!
The risks of not being vulnerable
What’s the worst that could happen if you’re not vulnerable with your significant other? Well, have you ever noticed that a friend or loved one was going through something, but you didn’t know what was wrong? It’s a frustrating situation to be in, to be sure. It creates a rift.
Communication is crucial in a relationship, so if you are not being vulnerable and communicating with a significant other, then you risk creating an environment where you have trouble connecting with the person you are sharing your life with.
Breaking down barriers
While vulnerability is important, this doesn’t mean you need to share everything all the time no matter what! It’s okay to take things slow, or wait for the right moment to share. For you, being vulnerable might be difficult, and that’s okay.
Approach vulnerability in the way that feels the most comfortable to you. Be vulnerable with your partner at a time when you feel safe, like when you can both talk freely without the risk of others overhearing. Talk when you are feeling emotionally comfortable, and when your partner has a moment to listen. Vulnerability is going to be different for everyone – so find what works best for you.
