Embracing vulnerability might just be one of the toughest things a couple has to incorporate into their relationship. What exactly is vulnerability and how does a person embrace vulnerability you might ask?
Vulnerability is being completely open about your needs and being able to share those needs with others. Vulnerability allows a person to reveal who they truly are to enhance connections.
Being vulnerable in your relationship creates a level of intimacy and trust that is essential to a healthy relationship. Embracing vulnerability is a way to build trust with your partner and strengthen an individuals internal and external selves.
Being vulnerable isn’t always easy and the very thought can cause an individual to feel insecure, fearful, and exposed. Vulnerability holds the risk of getting hurt, especially if you have been hurt in the past. Vulnerability is complex as it manifests in many form within a relationship because it means different things to different people. Simply put, vulnerability is about remaining open to your partner whoever allows you to share all parts of yourself without fear of judgment or rejection.
Brene Brown says it perfectly, “The ability to be vulnerable requires you to believe that you are worthy of a deep connection.”
How to Embrace Vulnerability within your Relationship
Share Feelings: Talk about your feelings with each other in a non-confrontational way. Use “I” statements to ensure ownership of individual feelings and avoid blame and resentment.
Share Thoughts: Talk about your thoughts, beliefs, and values with one another. Be curious with one another and embrace each others thoughts, beliefs, and values as a way to learn more about one another.
Share Needs: Talk about your needs and preferences with one another. Start small by sharing a simple need and don’t forget the importance of “self-care”.
Share Desires: Talk about your intimate desires without judgment. Take turns initiating a physical connection and always provide one another a safe place for the five types of intimacy; physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and social.
Share Challenges: Talk about your struggles with one another; don’t be ashamed of your struggles, and offer support to one another when needed.
May the Force be with you,
Angelina Taylor, MSPsy, MAMFT
Marriage and Family Therapist
http://www.akconfluence.com/ 907.313.4433 Ext. 106
