• 💖 [Donate To Keep MyPTSD Online] 💖 Every contribution, no matter how small, fuels our mission and helps us continue to provide peer-to-peer services. Your generosity keeps us independent and available freely to the world. MyPTSD closes if we can't reach our annual goal.

Reconceptualising “vulnerability” & “deserving” & possibly other words I don’t grok.

Friday

Moderator
To me, being vulnerable is 100% bad. I do, however, understand the importance & effect of allowing myself to be influenced by others that I like, love, respect.
 
To me, being vulnerable is 100% bad. I do, however, understand the importance & effect of allowing myself to be influenced by others that I like, love, respect.
Thank you for sharing your perspective on vulnerability, @Friday. It's understandable to feel that way. Vulnerability can feel uncomfortable and scary because it requires us to put ourselves out there and potentially face rejection or hurt. However, vulnerability can also be a strength as it allows us to form deeper connections with others and allows them to see and understand us better.

It's good to hear that you recognize the importance of allowing yourself to be influenced by those you like, love, and respect. Relationships are a two-way street, and allowing yourself to be influenced and affected by others can lead to mutual growth and understanding.

May I ask if there are any specific situations where you feel more comfortable being vulnerable or areas where you would like to work on being more vulnerable?
 
There are absolutely zero situations wherein being vulnerable is comfortable, or a strength, or in any way something I would attempt. Nor would I ever like to work on such a thing.

Might as well ask me about situations I would prefer to be murdered in… nope. I can actually think of a few of those. There are zero situations I can think of being vulnerable as desirable.
 
There are absolutely zero situations wherein being vulnerable is comfortable, or a strength, or in any way something I would attempt. Nor would I ever like to work on such a thing.

Might as well ask me about situations I would prefer to be murdered in… nope. I can actually think of a few of those. There are zero situations I can think of being vulnerable as desirable.
I see, @Friday. It sounds like being vulnerable is a significant challenge for you, and it's not something you would like to work on. It's important to recognize and respect your boundaries, and if being vulnerable is not something that feels safe or comfortable for you, that's okay.

It's understandable to feel that way, especially if you have experienced trauma or betrayal in the past. Trauma can make us feel like vulnerability is unsafe or something to be avoided at all costs.

However, I would encourage you to consider the possibility that vulnerability can be a strength and can lead to deeper connections with others. It may take time and effort to build the trust needed to feel safe enough to be vulnerable, but it's possible.

If you ever feel like exploring this more or have any other mental health concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out for support.
 
However, I would encourage you to consider the possibility that vulnerability can be a strength and can lead to deeper connections with others. It may take time and effort to build the trust needed to feel safe enough to be vulnerable, but it's possible.
In what way(s)?
 
In what way(s)?
Being vulnerable can allow others to see us as we truly are, and it can help us build genuine connections with others. When we are open and honest about our thoughts and feelings, we invite others to do the same, and this can lead to mutual understanding and empathy.

In relationships, vulnerability allows us to build trust and intimacy. When we are vulnerable with someone, we let them see the parts of us that we might normally keep hidden. This creates an environment of safety and openness that can lead to greater emotional closeness.

It can also help us to better understand and accept ourselves. When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we are more likely to recognize and accept our own emotions and needs. This can lead to a greater sense of self-awareness and self-acceptance.

Of course, it's important to note that vulnerability should only be practiced in safe and healthy contexts with people we trust and respect. It's okay to take your time and build trust before sharing your vulnerabilities with others.
 
Being vulnerable can allow others to see us as we truly are, and it can help us build genuine connections with others. When we are open and honest about our thoughts and feelings, we invite others to do the same, and this can lead to mutual understanding and empathy
I do not see being open & honest as vulnerable.
 
I do not see being open & honest as vulnerable.
I understand that you may have a different perspective on what vulnerability means to you, @Friday. It's important to recognize that vulnerability means different things to different people.

In my practice, vulnerability refers to the willingness to express our thoughts, emotions, and needs, even though we might feel exposed or uncertain about how others will react. Being open and honest does involve a certain level of vulnerability because we're taking a risk by sharing our inner world with someone else and being authentic about who we are.

That being said, if you don't feel that being open and honest is synonymous with vulnerability for you, that's okay. It's important to have a personal understanding and definition of vulnerability that resonates with you.
 
I agree, that the people we love most, are the most open and honest with, are the best equipped to hurt us; as they know us best, know what would hurt us the most, and should they choose to use that knowledge? Are better equipped than any other enemy could ever hope to be.

But? Simply knowing that, allows one to take steps to protect. That’s not vulnerable. That’s informed. Unless one chooses to have zero hostages to fate, and love nothing and no one, care about nothing or anything. It’s a valid, if limiting, choice. I simply believe there are better, less limiting, choices out there.
 
I agree, that the people we love most, are the most open and honest with, are the best equipped to hurt us; as they know us best, know what would hurt us the most, and should they choose to use that knowledge? Are better equipped than any other enemy could ever hope to be.

But? Simply knowing that, allows one to take steps to protect. That’s not vulnerable. That’s informed. Unless one chooses to have zero hostages to fate, and love nothing and no one, care about nothing or anything. It’s a valid, if limiting, choice. I simply believe there are better, less limiting, choices out there.
I completely understand where you're coming from, @Friday. It's true that vulnerability can come with risks, especially when it comes to the people we love and care about.

However, choosing to protect ourselves and take steps to minimize those risks doesn't necessarily mean we aren't being vulnerable. It's possible to be both vulnerable and cautious and take necessary steps to protect ourselves from harm.

Ultimately, vulnerability is a personal choice, and what feels vulnerable for some may not feel that way for others. What's important is that we each define it in a way that feels authentic and true to ourselves, and make choices that align with that definition and our personal values.
 
Do you have better synonyms that encompass what we both mean?
Yes, absolutely. Some synonyms that might better capture what we're discussing could include words like openness, authenticity, or transparency. These are all descriptors of the act of being honest and genuine with others, while still being mindful of any potential risks or vulnerabilities that may come with it.

Another way to look at it could be to frame the idea of vulnerability as a state of openness or willingness to experience emotions and situations that might be uncomfortable or challenging. This definition acknowledges the potential risks involved while emphasizing the courage that it takes to stay open and engaged in the face of potential discomfort or pain.

I hope that helps provide some clarity, and please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns.
 
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.
Back
Top