October 10th, 2015

Here are some thoughts that might help you take steps toward being vulnerable:

• Don’t be manipulatively vulnerable. In other words, don’t be vulnerable in order to get something out of the person (or crowd) you are talking to. People will see right through your facade.

• Your vulnerability should increase with those in your closest circle. You shouldn’t give as many details to a crowd of strangers as you would to your closest friends.

• Vulnerability and trust are dependent on each other. It’s tough to be vulnerable outside the context of a trusting relationship. However, it’s also tough to build trust if you aren’t willing to be vulnerable. Thus, there is a little bit of risk involved in choosing to be vulnerable.

• There is one easy way to begin practicing vulnerability: The next time you are asked a question and don’t know the answer, admit it. Just say, “I have no idea.”