Think back about conversations you’ve had with your partner that made you feel closer…
What made you feel connected in those moments?
Those conversations were probably centred around topics that were not easy to talk about. You likely had meaningful exchanges, allowed yourselves to be vulnerable, and empathized with each other. You may not have even realized that it was happening at the time.
These kinds of conversations allow us to get to know and understand each other better - deepening our connection.
We all long to be better known and understood by our partners, but don’t always consider we own a part of that becoming our reality.
To truly be understood we have to be vulnerable enough to show our loved one all parts of us - even those scary ones we don’t always like to acknowledge.
Being able to be vulnerable and share those hidden parts of ourselves allows us to become closer and welcomed our partner into our emotional world. It gives us the opportunity to showcase our strength in being open and present, even though it can sometimes make us feel exposed and weak.
The key to making our relationship a place where vulnerability is embraced is to have it met it with empathy. Our nature is to want to problem solve, point out silver linings, and minimize hard feelings with “well, at least,” essentially placating our partner and shutting down that raw moment.
This week we are deconstructing one of the hardest and scariest parts of our relationships - being truly vulnerable! We’re discussing:
What is vulnerability
What can make it “scary” to be vulnerable
Why it’s important to be vulnerable in your relationship
How to become more open with your partner
We also made a very valuable bonus for you - Empathy: A Step-by-Step How-To Guide - that helps you, in a concrete way, be an emotionally supportive partner and create a deeper, more meaningful and empathic connection in your relationship.
Listen:
Watch:
Show Notes:
Brené Brown on Vulnerability
SGR 001 - Communication that (Actually) Works
SGR 002 - Getting Back to the Honeymoon Phase - One Habit at a Time
SGR 004 - How to Get Divorced - What Not To Do in Your Relationship
SGR 011 - Micro Rejection: The Silent Relationship Killer
SGR 015 - How to Get Your Partner to Support Your Life’s Dreams
Short on time? Here’s a list of today’s topics and when to listen:
What is vulnerability? - 2:12
What makes it scary to be vulnerable? - 4:36
Why it’s important to be vulnerable in your relationship - 11:55
What your relationship should be - 16:29
Sharing your life dreams - 18:31
How to become more open with your partner - 21:04
Meredith and Marina’s Takeaways - 30:27
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