Vulnerability and Relationships

Being vulnerable with more people around me is a new practice me. What does being vulnerable mean?

To me, vulnerability means putting myself out there - being the real me - being “emotionally naked”, sharing how I feel without dressing it up.

How Are You Doing?

One practice I stopped doing is answering the question: “How are you doing?” with: “Good.”

Now, I answer with context, sharing what’s really on my mind, why I feel the way I do.

It’s a little extra and I am bearing a bit of my soul each time.

Loss and Reward

This feels scary - on the one hand, when the other person sees the real “me” and rejects it, oof - it’s like a punch in the gut. I learn maybe I don’t need to pay attention to this person as much as I do now.

On the other hand, when the person accepts the real “me” - it’s a new bond I have with the person. I find a new person that accepts me and I respect them more. This is absolutely rewarding.

Emotional Equivalent

It’s similar to being in a relationship and you say: “I love you”. The response next determines the course of the relationship.

In this case, it’s still a relationship - I’m finding different ways of saying: “I love you” without saying: “I love you”.

😁