How Vulnerability Can Get You Things

Summary

Showing vulnerability can yield benefits, such as building stronger relationships, but requires a willingness to share personal feelings and accept potential criticism.

Abstract

The article discusses the power of vulnerability in gaining trust and forming strong bonds with others. By opening up about personal weaknesses and feelings, people can encourage others to do the same, leading to a better understanding of those around them. However, this openness comes with the risk of criticism, humiliation, and judgment. The author acknowledges that adjusting to vulnerability can be challenging, especially for those accustomed to hiding their emotions. Ultimately, the decision to embrace vulnerability involves a trade-off between the benefits of openness and the comfort of secrecy.

Opinions

Showing vulnerability is a superpower that can win trust but requires careful consideration.
There is a gain in both showing weaknesses and hiding deficiencies, but one must be sacrificed for the other.
Openness can lead to a better understanding of reality and foster stronger bonds with others.
Opening up encourages others to share their feelings and thoughts.
Being open requires accepting the risk of criticism, humiliation, and judgment.
To build strong relationships, it is necessary to give as well as receive, i.e., to open up to others.
Deciding what to share and what to conceal is a personal choice that requires balancing the benefits and drawbacks of vulnerability.

To Get Something You Also Have to Give Something

People say showing that you are vulnerable is a superpower. A sign of gullibility which can win your trust. But there is always a catch. There is a gain in both: showing your weaknesses and hiding your deficiencies.

To reap the fruit of one you will have to sacrifice the benefits of the other. It is difficult to adjust. People like me who lived all their lives solitary, in secrecy, hiding their feelings, feel so uncomfortable writing about themselves. Talking about what they like seems like the most challenging thing in the world. You can’t just decide one day to put yourself out in the open.

It is really hard to face the criticism, the mockery, and the judgements. Because we are so used to live in a shell. It is hard to separate fun from humiliation. Nobody can make fun of you if they don’t know anything about you, right? Apart from several other benefits, there are some drawbacks as well.

Being open can make you understand the reality. The reality of things and people around us. You know the good old who is who and what is what. How? Because everyone has some softness. When you open up about your vulnerabilities people start to spark like a Christmas tree.

Some people don’t want to talk about their feelings. But also some people would love to share each and everything. They just need encouragement. This reassurance comes in the form of openness on your part.

The bond you develop with someone by showing your weakness is stronger than the one you form by hiding it.

When people open up to you they more than often forget the barrier. They will give you information which you might never have got otherwise. Getting someone to be comfortable with you goes a long way. No one will feel safe talking about their feelings and plans with you if they don’t know you.

But yes, you will also have to open up. Be fair, show honesty and concern. That is not a one-way deal. To get something you also have to give something. If you think your thoughts and desires are not worth giving away, or they will wither down if they see the light of the day then it is enormously challenging for you to adopt this path.

In the end, it’s you who will have to decide what to give away and what to conceal and keep confiding in your heart.