Things You Need to Know About Vulnerability

Your vulnerability is an essential part of the human experience. It’s something we all face at some point in our lives. For example, you might feel vulnerable when starting a new job or relationship because you don’t know anyone yet and can feel isolated. 

However, vulnerability can bring out a darker side as it often accompanies our search for authenticity and connection with others. Vulnerability can be downright destructive if not addressed appropriately. In other words, being vulnerable doesn’t have a negative connotation though it can sometimes bring out negative emotions.

What is vulnerability?

Vulnerability is the quality of being open to possible harm or damage due to your actions or inactions. When we’re vulnerable, we invite other people into our lives by letting them get close to us and see our true selves. This is a powerful thing to do but can also be risky. 

Vulnerable people can often seem weak or even foolish because they put themselves in potentially dangerous situations. This is why vulnerability can be an incredibly perilous quality in a person.

Why is Vulnerability Important?

Your vulnerability is crucial because it can help you connect with others. Being vulnerable can be a powerful way to form strong relationships and create deeper connections. This can be especially true in romantic relationships. 

If you’re looking to deepen your connection with someone, the best way to do that is by letting them see your vulnerabilities and imperfections. In other words, opening up and being vulnerable with them can allow you to create a deeper connection with each other. 

This can help you form a stronger bond with someone in a relationship. If you’re hoping to form friendships and connections with other people, being vulnerable in this way can be a great way to do it. 

NB: Wise discernment is critical in determining who to be vulnerable with and the situations in which you can be vulnerable.

How can vulnerability help us Grow?

When you’re vulnerable around other people and let them see your weaknesses, it can be a compelling way to let them see you are human. This can allow you to create a deeper connection with other people. By being vulnerable, you’re also allowing others to connect with your pain and your weaknesses. 

What vulnerability is not

You may feel the following emotions if unaccustomed to exposing your vulnerabilities. Work towards overcoming them to harness the power of vulnerability.

Embarrassment – this is often confused with vulnerability. Although both types of emotions can make someone feel vulnerable, they differ. Embarrassment is about how others see you, whereas vulnerability is how you feel about yourself. When you feel embarrassed, others are usually the source of your vulnerability. 

Shame – this is different from embarrassment. Embarrassment is a response to something that threatens the image we wish to project to others but is otherwise morally neutral. On the other hand, shame is an unpleasant, self-conscious emotion often associated with negative self-evaluation, powerlessness, and worthlessness.

Fear – is one of the most common negative emotions. It can often feel overwhelming, so it’s important to identify the fear underneath it. Once you figure out the fear, you can determine how to manage or overcome it. 

Vulnerability should not leave you feeling embarrassed, ashamed or fearful. On the contrary, it should leave you feeling empowered and ready to take on what the world brings your way.