Making Deeper Connections Through Vulnerability
Written by: Monica Braun, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Vulnerability can be the most significant roadblock to forming relationships or it can be the bridge to forge two people together. If you are struggling with creating intimate connections with others while dating, it could be that you need to work on being more vulnerable.
Challenge yourself to become more vulnerable by:
Choosing facts you feel comfortable sharing. This could be as minimal as sharing a challenge you sometimes have. For example, burning the dessert while you are baking or struggling with your golf game.
Allow yourself to be seen and heard and communicate your needs. This could look like letting your date know the best times of the day you prefer talking and creating boundaries around when you communicate.
Allow yourself to be seen and heard. Share an anecdote about yourself or short story without feeling guilty or analyzing if you are talking too much. Be yourself and live in the present moment!
Be open to receiving – attention, compliments, time etc.
As you become more vulnerable, be aware of feelings that may come up. Allow yourself to feel them and notice them. This can be a barometer of areas within yourself that you need to work on. For example, does being vulnerable trigger a feeling of fear or shame? Use this as an opportunity to explore more about those feelings. This will empower you to work through the feelings and not be stuck by them. Be honest with yourself as you move forward!
What about being vulnerable makes you feel a specific way? Feel free to answer these questions in a journal.
What does this feeling say about you and how you perceive vulnerability?
How is vulnerability helping you connect and build relationships with others?
Do you notice a difference in your relationships with those you are more vulnerable with? Why?
Answering these questions will help you reflect on the progress you are making toward becoming more vulnerable.
Each relationship should be a give and take. Both partners should both give and receive, much like a dance. If your date is not sharing or being vulnerable, this could be considered a red flag, so keep your eyes open. Vulnerability should help you to connect on a deeper level which will lead you towards a healthy and happy relationship.
Vulnerability can also be emotionally challenging, so take care of yourself and practice self care. Nourish your emotional well being by getting enough sleep, eating healthy, exercising, and creating boundaries if necessary.
Monica Braun, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Monica Braun is an international relationship coach. After being single for several years, she created strategies to transform her personal life from single to soulmate and is now happily married with a growing family. She has since created and implemented a program for other singles to attract a Spiritual and Emotional Companion through the Intentional Dating Process. She is the founder of Soul to Soul Coaching which includes personalized dating experiences that has helped several single clients become engaged and married. She has written the book “From Toxic to Soulmate Love,” a number 1 best seller on Amazon, and has dedicated her life to helping others attract the love of their lives.
