Society loves to extol the virtues of the strong, independent woman who’s always got it together, who never shows weakness.
But you know what takes REAL courage and strength?
The ability to be vulnerable.
Because while vulnerability opens you up to rejection, it also opens you up to acceptance. Acceptance by the people God actually wants in your life. Acceptance by a partner who truly loves the real you, and wants to cherish that woman, not the one you pretend to be with everyone else.
With that being said, here are a few ways to practice vulnerability, and be more attractive and likeable to everyone you meet:
- Talk more. Get in the practice of starting more conversations. With the custodian at your job, the cashier at the grocery store, the person sitting next to you in the waiting room. The more you hold even simple conversations with people, the easier it becomes to talk about yourself and open up.
- Make small revelations. Please, don’t put all your business out there to everyone you meet! But (some) confession is good for the soul. Always wanted to cut your hair? Tell a stranger with short hair that you admire her style, and confess that you’re not brave enough to do it. Again, you are testing the waters with small things now so it’s easier to have the deeper conversations when you meet your ideal man.
- Spend more time with kids. Seriously, kids have absolutely no filter! And we (sometimes) find that adorable. Spending more time with kids will teach you a lot about being yourself and not taking things so seriously.
- Speak your mind. This is the reason why people associate “vulnerable” with “weak.” Vulnerability lies in honesty. It goes far beyond being able to cry in front of someone else. It’s unapologetically speaking your truth. Truly Vulnerable women are Cherished women because they know how to articulate their needs, spell out their boundaries, and give their opinions- even around people they’re afraid to hurt or be hurt by.
- Ask others for help. This may sound obvious, but in order to be cherished and cared for, you have to allow people to take care of you! I see it all the time, women who are so used to handling everything on their own, that they push away men who try to relieve some of their burdens. Stop being so overwhelmed, and start having the courage to ask people to do even small tasks for you.
Those are just a few ways to embrace vulnerability. Which one do you plan to try today? And if you know someone who could use these tips, feel free to share this with them!