Let me start by saying the following. Showing vulnerability is not the same as showing weakness. Even more so, vulnerability is strength.
While I would define helplessness as a showing of incompetence, vulnerability is a showing of susceptibility.
I think that being able and daring enough to show you’re not untouchable should be applauded. Here’s why.
Why vulnerability is strength and not a sign of weakness
It takes courage
Vulnerability is strength because it means opening your heart to let other people in.
And while this courageous act allows you to create strong, and long-lasting bonds with others, it’s also the case that you possibly open yourself up to the wrong kind of people. The ones who want to take advantage of you for their benefit.
Yet, you should not let the possible antagonistic effects hold you back from allowing yourself to show your vulnerability to those around you.
We do so in the hope that other people respect us as the person we truly are and in an attempt to create authentic, meaningful relationships with others.
We are born to be real, not perfect. And I think that’s a good code of conduct to live by. Always be honest, and don’t apologize when someone doesn’t appreciate the real you.
It takes confidence
We often desperately try to keep the most vulnerable parts of ourselves hidden.
We do so by trying to create and portray a hard outer shell around our vulnerable inner self to protect ourselves from harm.
But it takes sureness to admit to yourself and other people as well that you are vulnerable. That’s basically what you’re doing when you allow the world to see your unprotected side.
We frequently show the world our best traits, but rarely do we show that we are merely mortal and unguarded, just like everyone else.
It takes humility
Another reason why there’s strength in vulnerability is that it takes a considerate amount of humility.
To protect ourselves, we regularly try to regard ourselves as indestructible. We falsely believe ourselves to be tougher and more resilient than we truly are.
This arrogance and ego is not only false, but it’s potentially incredibly dangerous as well in some instances.
Wrongly believing yourself to be indestructible may lead to an increased amount of risk-taking, coupled with assessing situations wrongly.
Being able to recognize and show your vulnerable side takes a lot of humility since it hurts our ego. That’s because we like to portray ourselves as being bigger, better, and stronger than we truly are.
It takes trust
Negative experiences with others make it easy to turn bitter, resentful, cynical, and ultimately, even vengeful.
These negative experiences that happened in past times can be used as the perfect excuse and rationalization to turn angry and resentful of those around us.
Despite all this, it takes a lot of bravery to trust others and to keep your heart and mind open to engage in new meaningful relationships. Regardless of all those who have, and possibly will try to take advantage of you in the present and future.
It’s hard
It’s much easier to hide your vulnerable side than show your unsafe self to the world.
And since people most often try to take the easiest path available, it’s no wonder that most refrain from showing their sensitivity.
This is why people typically desperately try to protect their vulnerable selves. Regularly portraying a tougher exterior than is true to compensate for their susceptibility, and in an attempt to try to convince themselves that they are not at risk.
Of course, with our mortal lives comes an immense helplessness. No matter how tall, strong, and tough you are.
That’s also why we need to learn to embrace the pain of life, as nobody will be spared of it in the end. Harm is sure to come our way sooner or later.
Is vulnerability a strength?
Vulnerability is a strength and not a weakness since it’s a condition of the human experience. Everyone can be hurt, no matter how tall, strong, intelligent, and tough we might be.
It teaches us to become more self-aware, and to improve as human beings by admitting to ourselves and others that we’re imperfect, and don’t know everything about our existence. Not only that, but it requires courage to carry on despite knowing all too well that we can be harmed in the process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is vulnerability important in a relationship?
Showing vulnerability is essential in a relationship since it shows that we can be pained and that our actions have consequences. Both positive and negative ones.
It’s necessary to understand each other’s feelings and to connect on a deeper level with one another. Acknowledging our insecurities and imperfections can aid in developing empathy for our romantic partners.
It shows that we’re brave enough and willing to take the risk of being hurt to attempt to create a future with the partner of our choosing. It builds trust, honesty, and emotional intimacy by opening our hearts and minds to our spouses.
What does being vulnerable mean?
Being vulnerable means being in a state of exposure to the possibility of being harmed, or even attacked. One can either be emotionally, and physically vulnerable, and even both at the same time in some instances.
I would like to note that every human being is inherently susceptible, no matter who you might be.
Conclusion
It’s much easier to hide your vulnerable inner self by pretending and showing the world a tough, hard exterior rather than showing your true colors.
It’s easy to become nihilistic, angry, and even resentful due to the people who have harmed you in the past, and due to how cruel and harsh the world can be.
Yet, it takes a lot of braveness and sureness to open your heart to the world and other people, despite knowing full well how brutal this universe can be at times.
We can conclude that showing your vulnerable side is a sign of strength and courage and not weakness.