Conversely, when we are not willing to be vulnerable with others (within the realm of therapy we often refer to this as being guarded), we may keep our genuine emotions and thoughts hidden. While this removes the risk of being rejected for our authentic selves, it can create a sense of distance and disconnection in our relationships. When we feel too distant and disconnected from the world it profoundly contributes to feelings of loneliness, and isolation, frequently contributing greatly to one’s depression.
If we look at the various definitions of vulnerability, we often see the words ‘attack,’ ‘wounded,’ ‘exposed,’ ‘harmed,’ ‘hurt,’ etc. Vulnerability is the act of bearing our intimate thoughts and feelings, even when we are concerned about how others may react. It involves being open and honest about our fears, hopes, and dreams, as well as our struggles and imperfections.
attached individuals can be vulnerable and form close relationships with others. They are comfortable expressing their emotions and sharing their innermost thoughts and feelings
attached individuals may struggle with vulnerability, fearing rejection and abandonment. They may have a strong desire for intimacy but be hesitant to reveal their true selves.
attached individuals may also struggle with vulnerability, but for different reasons. They may view vulnerability as a weakness and prefer hiding their emotions.
attachment is characterized by a lack of coherence and inconsistency in behavior and affect. This attachment style may result from experiencing traumatic or abusive experiences in childhood.
Overall, building a secure attachment and improving emotional vulnerability requires a willingness to be open and honest with ourselves, as well as others. It involves a commitment to authentically assessing our own beliefs and accepting them for what they are, and working to build stronger, healthier relationships based on trust, communication, and emotional vulnerability.
Cultivating emotional vulnerability can be a challenging and seemingly impossible task, particularly if we have experienced trauma, rejection, or feelings of loneliness. However, with practice and patience, building a greater sense of emotional vulnerability and openness in our relationships is possible. Below are some methods which are commonly discussed in therapy that often contribute to navigating relationships.
Become more aware of your own emotions and how you respond to them. This can help you to become more comfortable with vulnerability and sharing your feelings with others
Conclusion
Start by sharing small details about your life with others. This can help to build trust and create a sense of connection over time. Radically Open Dialectical Therapy (RODBT) –, there are models that outline methods on how to implement “low-risk intimacy building exercises” in order to minimize negative outcomes. The link below is a pdf outlining this model and a worksheet
Conclusion