Being emotionally vulnerable isn’t easy for everyone. You might feel like you can’t let people “in” because you’re worried about getting hurt. Or, maybe you’ve been vulnerable in the past and someone took advantage of it.
Whatever the case, emotional vulnerability can help to strengthen your relationships and even allow you to become more in tune with your thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
But, if you’ve closed yourself off for a long time, what can you do to be more emotionally vulnerable with yourself and others? Let’s cover a few tips.
1. Ask for Help
Asking for help with something is a great way to open the door to emotional vulnerability. You might think that admitting you need help is a sign of weakness, but that’s not true. It shows that you’re willing to open up about your needs to someone, and let them get to know where you excel and where you might need a hand.
Asking for help also shows the people you’re around that you’re ready to ask for emotional support and give it, in return. Whether you’re talking to a friend, partner, or co-worker, that can go a long way in strengthening your connection.
2. Make Eye Contact
This might sound like a small practice, but it can make a big difference when it comes to showing who you are to others.
When you’re afraid of opening up, you might avoid eye contact with people, even when you’re having a direct conversation. It’s a defense mechanism, but it will show the person you’re talking to that you’re either not completely being yourself, or you don’t fully trust them.
Make a commitment to look someone in the eyes when you’re talking to them. It shows that you’re an active listener, and that person will be more willing to share what they’re thinking.
3. Be Transparent About Your Struggles
Some people don’t want to be vulnerable with others because they feel like they’re complaining. But, the people in your life who truly care about you want to hear your struggles.
So, instead of only sharing the “happy” parts of your day, be transparent about the difficult things. That doesn’t mean you only focus on the negative. But, if you’re dealing with something that’s creating problems in your life, don’t be afraid to open up about it.
Sometimes, simply talking about an issue can make it feel less overwhelming. More importantly, the people you open up to can jump in as your support system, reminding you that you don’t have to handle your hardships alone.
4. Get Creative
A lack of vulnerability often stems from a fear of judgment or a fear of getting hurt. If you’re not ready to open up and share your emotions with someone face-to-face just yet, consider getting into a creative outlet that can help you express yourself on your terms.
Something like playing music, drawing or painting, or even dancing can all allow you to be more vulnerable. You can express your truest feelings without having to say a word. While opening up and talking is still important, you can use creative outlets to take that first step and start to feel more confident in your own skin.
If you’re still struggling with emotional vulnerability, consider taking the next step and working with a mental health professional. Doing so can help you better understand why it’s so difficult for you to be vulnerable. You’ll also learn the skills needed to open up, so you can feel safe, healthy, and confident while becoming more open to others. Feel free to contact me to learn more about anxiety therapy and set up an appointment if you’re ready to start that journey.