“The only way to be close in a relationship is through vulnerability.”
According to the dictionary, being vulnerable means being susceptible to being wounded or hurt either physically or emotionally. And when we enter into relationships with other people, our vulnerability is usually on display.
“Like most humans, I don’t love being as vulnerable as I am,” shares Dr. Dan, a quadriplegic and psychologist. “I think most humans are like that, whether disabled or not.”
Oftentimes, we try to portray ourselves as strong, capable, independent individuals and keep our vulnerabilities at arms’ length. And vulnerability is closely associated with feelings of anxiety. “When we cannot tolerate our own vulnerability, that’s when our anxiety goes up.”
But vulnerability isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, learning to be comfortable with our vulnerabilities is when we can truly open up and form connections with others. This concept particularly hits home for many people who live with a disability.
“The more we know about one another, the more comfortable we are with ourselves – with our own vulnerability. The more intimate we can be with others and ourselves.”