9 Ways To Feel Close And Be Vulnerable In A Relationship

Being in a state of vulnerability means being susceptible to potential physical or emotional harm. However, in this particular context, the emphasis is typically placed on the potential for emotional harm.

Vulnerability necessitates taking emotional risks. When you're vulnerable, you reveal your authentic self at the deepest level, allowing your partner to truly know who you are without any pretenses.

By doing so, you expose yourself to the possibility of rejection or judgment. It requires you to openly express your thoughts, emotions, and needs, demanding complete genuineness.

True vulnerability entails exposing your entire authentic self to your partner, which can be intimidating.Having understood the immense strength associated with vulnerability, it is now important to discover the ways to embrace vulnerability within a relationship.

Interestingly, you might be surprised to learn that it is not as challenging as it initially seems. While it may appear daunting initially, as you take the first steps, you will find it gradually becoming easier over time.

Here are some guidelines on how to foster vulnerability in a relationship and begin enhancing the connections in your life.

# It all begins with you

Prior to embracing vulnerability in a relationship, it is crucial to cultivate openness and honesty within yourself. This involves acknowledging and comprehending your own feelings, allowing you to effectively communicate them to your significant other.

Each individual has their own unique approach to understanding emotions. Some may choose to write them down, while others prefer introspective moments of silent contemplation. Many find solace in discussing their feelings with a trusted friend.

Regardless of the method you choose, it is important to grasp the art of being vulnerable with yourself before extending that vulnerability to your partner.

# They deserve it

Since you are engaged in a relationship with your partner, it is presumed that you have a genuine concern for their well-being and believe they deserve your complete presence, not just a partial one. Therefore, it is important to exhibit vulnerability and wholeheartedly invest in the relationship. Knowing that your partner is deserving of your vulnerability significantly facilitates the process.

Admittedly, it can be challenging to open up to someone who has caused you harm or may not deserve your honesty and openness. However, recognizing that this person is present in your life and genuinely supports you encourages you to reveal your true self to them.

# Have a discussion with them

When you embrace vulnerability, you are willingly exposing every aspect of yourself to your partner, including both the positive and negative aspects. It is essential to ensure that they are adequately prepared for this level of openness.

Request their support as you embark on this journey, and emphasize the challenges you may face in being vulnerable. By conveying your needs and expressing the difficulty you may encounter, you create an environment that fosters understanding and makes the process easier for both of you.

# Be patient with yourself and your partner

Let's be clear, this won't be effortless for either of you. It will require time and patience. It's completely normal if there are moments when you regress and feel unable to maintain your vulnerability.

Remember, it's okay to take a step back and gather yourself. Take a deep breath and begin anew, because you are fully capable of embracing vulnerability once again.

# Encourage your partner to do the same

As you take the courageous step of opening up and being honest with your partner, it becomes imperative for them to reciprocate. It is only fair that they make an effort to do the same.

When you choose to be vulnerable and share every aspect of yourself with your partner, it is reasonable to expect them to embark on a similar journey. This is a path of emotional connection that both of you should traverse together, fostering trust and understanding in the relationship.

# Have a conversation with yourself

Take some time to delve deeper into your inner thoughts and explore the reasons behind your past reluctance to be vulnerable. What has been hindering you?

By comprehending the underlying factors that have contributed to your previous hesitations, you equip yourself with valuable insights that can aid in staying on course. This self-awareness becomes particularly helpful in moments when you may feel tempted to revert to old patterns and rebuild emotional barriers.

# Practice with a friend or family member first

Indeed, being vulnerable with your partner can be challenging, primarily due to the immense pressure we place on our romantic relationships to thrive. The fear of revealing our true selves and being open stems from the worry that they might discover something they dislike, leading them to abandon us.

However, it's important to recognize that if someone would leave you for being vulnerable, they are not deserving of your openness in the first place. To alleviate the anxiety and doubt surrounding this, consider starting by practicing vulnerability with a trusted friend or family member. Engaging in this gradual process allows you to gain confidence and familiarity, making it easier to embrace vulnerability in your romantic relationship. Remember, practice makes perfect.

# Don’t be vague about your needs

If your intention is for your partner to simply listen to you, clearly communicate that to them. Similarly, if you seek their input and advice, express that explicitly as well. It is crucial not to initiate the process of opening up without informing them about your expectations for their response.

Having undisclosed expectations places an unfair burden on your partner, as they are unaware of the specific dynamics you desire in this interaction. They are doing their best to support you, but it becomes impossible for them to meet your needs if you do not effectively communicate them. Therefore, open and honest communication is key to ensuring that both you and your partner can navigate vulnerability in a way that aligns with your mutual understanding and needs.

# There’s a time and a place

It is important to exercise caution and choose an appropriate time and place when deciding to be vulnerable. Opting for the right timing and location is crucial for the success of such conversations.

Expecting your partner to respond positively when caught off guard is unrealistic. To foster a more conducive environment for vulnerability, aim to have these discussions during moments of privacy and intimacy, when you both have some alone time. This allows for a more focused and receptive atmosphere, enabling your partner to better understand and engage with your vulnerability.