Why Vulnerability Is Necessary For Connection

It’s not easy to be vulnerable. Maybe you’ve been burned in the past by someone you trusted. Or, maybe you’re just naturally guarded. It’s hard to share the most intimate parts of ourselves with others—even in close relationships.

But, vulnerability isn’t just important for connection—it’s necessary.

Opening up and sharing the vulnerable sides of yourself will help to secure bonds within your relationships, and will also let you know you have a support system, no matter what.

Beyond that, though, why is vulnerability necessary for connection? Can you still be close to someone without opening up and expecting them to do the same in return?

Vulnerability Opens Communication Doors

Communication is one of the key components of any successful relationship. That includes friendships, family relationships, and marriage. For a marriage to be successful and grow, both people have to be willing to communicate openly.

When you choose to be vulnerable in your relationship, you’re inviting honest conversation. You’re showing your spouse, friend, or family member that you want to have a genuine dialogue with them to improve your connection and strengthen your bond.

It can be a scary thing to do, at first. But, if your communication is struggling in your relationships, it could be because you’re not allowing yourself to be vulnerable. You might be surprised by how quickly those individuals open up to you when you’re the first one to reach out and be honest about yourself and your feelings.

It Tears Down Walls

Speaking of communication issues, one of the biggest problems people have in relationships is building up protective walls.

Again, maybe you’ve been mistreated by someone in the past. Maybe you have a hard time trusting people. Or, maybe you’re just hesitant to open up because you’ve never done it before. Unfortunately, each time you shelter your feelings from someone you’re close to, you’re adding another brick between the two of you.

Eventually, you’ll have a wall that can seem protective, but it’s really making it harder to communicate effectively and connect.

Vulnerability doesn’t just get rid of those walls brick by brick. Rather, it knocks them down completely. Showing vulnerability and trust to someone you’re close with will let them know just how valuable your trust is. Most people won’t take that for granted, and you can enjoy a relationship without secrets or things you have to feel ashamed of.

You Can Be Your Authentic Self

No one wants to put on a mask in front of others. You might have to do that when you’re talking to a co-worker or acquaintance. But, when it comes to close relationships, you deserve to be yourself.

If you’re not willing to be vulnerable, however, there will always be a part of you that feels you need to hold something back. You might not feel like you can be your true, authentic self around your spouse or friend.

They might not even recognize you’re holding something back, but it can create a lot of extra stress for you.

Living in fear that someone might judge you or see you differently when you’re authentic isn’t fair to yourself. If you expect others in your life to be themselves and you know you would accept them no matter what, assume they think the same about you. When you choose to be yourself, you might find that your support system is even greater than you realized.

Is vulnerability always easy? No. However, it’s a crucial component of connection. By taking steps to be more vulnerable in your relationships, you’ll get closer with the people you care about, and feel a sense of relief knowing you can be yourself while strengthening your most important bonds.

Call 623-680-3486, text 623-688-5115, or email info@crossroadsfcc.com and mention your interest in a Christian marriage intensive.

Our offices throughout the Valley of the Sun including Phoenix, Anthem, Biltmore, Paradise Valley, and Scottsdale.

Couples from out of Arizona are welcome to attend one of our intensives.  Contact us for more information.