Writing Prompt: Vulnerability

Is it necessary to be vulnerable if you want to become closer with someone? This week, write an essay that gives advice to those looking to be more open with the people they know. Use your personal experience to discuss whether vulnerability has helped create stronger connections, or if an alternative experience offered positive results for tighter bonds.

There is absolutely a certain degree of vulnerability that comes with getting to know people, and with being more open and honest with those you already know. In order to create stronger connections with the people in our lives, we have to be willing to actually let them in our lives.

Don’t get me wrong – it isn’t an easy task. It’s hard to be vulnerable, to open yourself up to people. You can never be certain of what the end result will be. You could show your true colors to someone, and in turn, they may not like what they see. They may leave, or they may stay. Maybe your true selves simply won’t be able to connect, and it will all seemingly be for naught. But if you never try, you’ll never know.

We’re all vulnerable, especially when we are getting to know someone knew, romantically, platonically, on a business level or any other level you can think of. There’s a certain inherent risk with opening up to other people, but if you’re willing to take it, it could be worth it in the end. Sometimes, it’s about responding when someone reaches out to you; sometimes, it’s making the decision and the effort to reach out to someone.

I could list multiple examples of how being vulnerable has resulted in stronger connections or bonds with people in my life. It builds trust, it strengthens a connection, and overall, it builds a bridge between two people. The fact that you’re willing to be vulnerable with another person, no matter how scary or frightening or overwhelming that may be, and that (hopefully!) they are willing to do the same in return…. it’s a step, a step into the unknown, on a journey that could end up being a wonderful one.