Why do we try to hide vulnerability?
For me, I am pretty sure we all want to be desirable. If any case, socially desirable.
Vulnerability is a sign of weakness. A sign of instability, a sign of flaw. Therefore we perceive it as "non-desirable". No one wants to be vulnerable. Everyone wants to be strong.
Therefore, we hide our vulnerability from others. For many reasons...
So we won't get hurt - Vulnerability is usually a gateway to your heart. To your secret and to who you are. By having people, especially close friends, meddle and manipulate that. It is damaging.
So we appear strong - As I stated previously, everyone wants to be desirable. Being strong is one of the characteristics. The media always portrays the hero being strong-willed and strong-minded person. Never failing and always giving. Unfortunately, life is not like that. Reality is reality.
Why do you think people try to hide vulnerability from others? What do YOU think?
@SenpaiXD The ability to appear vulnerable to someone comes as we get to know that person more. The closer we get to someone, the more trust that person earns with us. With trust comes a confidence to be vulnerable around that person, and this leads us to form a real connection with that person.
@Probius
I totally agree, the more we get to know someone, the more likely they are going to hurt us. But we trust them not to.
@SenpaiXD That's not exactly how I would put it. Someone who is close to us is more capable of hurting us than someone who is not close to us, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they are more likely to hurt us.
@Probius
Yeah, I see. Haha I spoke from a pessimistic view whoops.
I think the largest reasons have already been outlined save for perhaps environment/upbringing.
It can be very difficult to unlearn what was taught to us in our crucial formitive years. Entire generations were brought up to believe that you did not speak of your feelings, you simply repressed them & "got on" with things. Now we know just how harmful an approach to life this can be, but sadly there are a lot of folk still " hardwired" by their childhood teachings.
Additionally, we as a species tend to be our own harshest critics. If another person opens up to us, we feel humbled that we were trusted & actually tend to feel more trusting TOWARDS the person who opened up too.
This person has metophorically bared themselves & said "This is me, I am hiding nothing." To show your vulnerability is actually a display of strength. Sadly our inner voices rarely allow us to apply this very sound logic to ourselves, which is why so many people reach breaking point before they will finally open up.
So, to anyone unsure as to whether they should press the "connect to a listener" button - be brave. We are all here waiting to feel humbled & privileged to hear your story.
@SenpaiXD Those are some great insights. I think we hide our vulnerability like the way we shield ourselves from the rain or put on a jacket when it's cold outside. Not everyone is receptive to one's vulnerability. We open ourselves up to those who deserve to listen to us. Maybe that's where heart-to-heart conversations come in or the meaning of "giving your heart."
@PacificSunrise
Yeah, some people are different than others! I agree.
