The Power of Vulnerability in Friendships

Hey there, friend!

Are you familiar with the concept of vulnerability? Did you know that it has different meanings? If you Google it, the first definition you'll find says that vulnerability is ‘when someone is at risk of being physically or emotionally attacked or harmed’. It can also mean that someone is ‘unable to protect themselves or respond to a disaster’.

But what does it mean when we talk about a person being vulnerable? Well, it's all about showing your true self and being open to emotional risk. While this can seem scary, the rewards can be worth it! Some great opportunities to practise vulnerability include in romantic relationships, in professional settings, and with friends!

But we get it — vulnerability can be tough. It's natural to worry about being rejected or judged. Sharing your insecurities with a friend might seem daunting, but it can actually strengthen your bond and understanding of each other. Being open with others can lead to deeper relationships and remind us we're not alone in our struggles. 

By being open and honest with your friends, you can build stronger connections, improve communication, and foster a greater sense of mutual support and understanding.

If you want to create a deep and meaningful connection with others, here’re 4 ways to practise vulnerability!

4 Tips for Practising Vulnerability in Friendships

Tip 1: Know when and who to be vulnerable with

When it comes to vulnerability, it's important to know both when to be vulnerable and who you can be vulnerable with. You may be more comfortable showing your vulnerable side to people you trust.  It's essential to be selective about who you share your innermost thoughts and feelings with. We recommend being vulnerable with friends who are supportive, empathetic, and non-judgmental — people who will listen to you with an open heart and offer thoughtful feedback. 

Additionally, timing is key. Being vulnerable too early in a friendship can sometimes come across as oversharing or even pushy, so it's important to build trust and establish a solid foundation first. That being said, if  there's something you really want to share with a friend, it's usually better to go for it sooner rather than later. Remember, vulnerability is all about taking risks and being authentic, so don't be afraid to trust your gut and open up when it feels right!

Tip 2: Understand your own thoughts, feelings and emotions

Vulnerability requires communicating your thoughts, feelings and emotions effectively. The first step to doing this involves developing a better understanding of them! This is not something that happens overnight — it's a lifelong process.

By taking the time to reflect on your own internal experiences, you'll be better equipped to communicate your needs and desires to others in an open and honest way. Let's say you're feeling hurt by something a friend said. Instead of lashing out, take a moment to examine what you're feeling. Is it sadness? Disappointment? Betrayal? 

Once you've identified the emotion, you can then express it to your friend in a calm and constructive way. By doing this, you're not only modelling vulnerability, but you're also giving your friend the opportunity to respond with empathy and understanding. It's important to remember that vulnerability is a two-way street — in order to receive it from others, we first have to be willing to give it to ourselves. 

So take the time to get to know yourself, and you'll be well on your way to deeper, more fulfilling friendships!

Tip 3: Practise compassion when dealing with others

When supporting friends who may be feeling vulnerable, expressing compassion can go a long way. Offering kindness, empathy, and understanding can make a world of difference. 

One way to do this is by actively listening when a friend shares their struggles or fears with you. Put your phone down, maintain eye contact, and acknowledge their feelings. Try to show empathy by putting yourself in your friend's shoes and understanding what they're going through. Offer practical help, such as by working on their problems together or running errands for them. Let your friend know that their feelings are valid and that it's okay to feel vulnerable. Be patient with them and offer ongoing support as they navigate their challenges. By practising compassion, you create a supportive and caring environment where everyone feels heard and valued. 

Tip 4: Express yourself with honesty

Be honest about what you want. It's okay to ask for help, and it's also okay to say no. If someone asks you for something, don't feel like you have to oblige just because they asked. If the request doesn't feel right or fit into your schedule, say so! You can check out our blog article  Making Friends with Neighbours - Nosy or Nice? for more tips on how to get to know others who live around us — with boundaries! 

Practise vulnerability with others by being honest in your interactions. Share what's on your mind without censoring yourself or worrying about others' reactions (as long as they're not threatening). Vulnerability isn't always easy, but exercising this skill will help build trust in other areas of life as well!

In conclusion…

Building trust and connection through vulnerability is the key to forming meaningful and fulfilling relationships. It's not always easy to open up and be vulnerable, but the rewards are truly priceless. 

By following these tips, you can start to break down barriers and develop deeper connections with the people you care about. Remember to really listen, share your feelings openly, be open to feedback and show empathy and kindness.

With these tools in hand, you can build stronger, more authentic bonds that will last a lifetime. Let's embrace vulnerability and start building stronger relationships with the people we love!