How to Manage Your Emotional Vulnerability

Emotional vulnerability is an essential but often difficult part of life for everyone.

We all want to be better managers. But what do you do when things go wrong? What do you say, and how do you react when you come face-to-face with your vulnerability?

We are emotional by nature. We get hurt and tend to avoid getting hurt again. Emotional vulnerability can be helpful when dealing with relationships but isn’t so beneficial in continuing progress towards our goals. Hopefully, this article will help you overcome some emotional barriers that can stand in the way of seeking new opportunities.

Expressing your deepest thoughts and feelings helps you maintain a healthy sense of self-esteem and self-worth and can help you grow. However, emotional vulnerability can be complicated to do in the presence of others; when you express your most daunting emotions, it’s not just about what you say but also how you say it.

For a long time, I thought that emotional vulnerability was something I should avoid at all costs. It’s hard to admit that you’re not okay, and it can feel like everyone’s staring at you when you do. It took me a while to learn that the key to overcoming this embarrassment is to embrace it, create space for it, and then let it go.

Some people are comfortable with being emotionally vulnerable around their friends, but it can be an uncomfortable experience for many. If a friend doesn’t like opening up to others, try to gently encourage them to discuss their problems, but respect their wishes if they don’t want to. And if you’re the friend who doesn’t want to talk about things, you can always say so—no one will judge you for not wanting to open up.

We often hesitate to show our emotions because we’re afraid of looking weak; we don’t want people thinking we’re “crazy” or “flaky.” But emotional vulnerability doesn’t make us look weak; it makes us look human.

I find it challenging as an introvert to be vulnerable in front of people; it’s just not something I’m naturally good at or comfortable with, but the reality is that being weak shows courage and strength. It starts by making small steps; for instance, you might tell a co-worker how excited you are about your upcoming vacation plans rather than waiting for them to ask you about it. If you find yourself holding back your feelings in a conversation with someone, try imagining yourself as one of your close friends; how would you respond?

Emotionally vulnerable people can often feel unimportant. They worry that the positive impressions of a few people in their life will not make them feel valued and seen. Everyone wants recognition as a human being with feelings. Thinking about how we interact with others and what they think of us is no different than thinking about other more concrete aspects of our lives, like whether we have enough money or food to eat. There is nothing wrong with wanting to be valued by those around us, including family and friends.

Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness – Brene Brown

Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path – Brene Brown

According to Brene Brown’s quotes above, vulnerability means truth and feels like courage. We need to accept this state of being since it has a positive aspect.

To embrace vulnerability, you have to be willing to accept that people might not love all of who you are and that you might not always be accepted as you are.
Vulnerability is a choice; you decide if and when it feels safe to be vulnerable and let others see your true self instead of a mask.

Overall emotional vulnerability is a complex, lifelong challenge with no easy answers. However, the good news is that many resources are available to help you overcome it. It just takes some self-reflection and hard work.