Relationships Spouses & Partners Why Vulnerability in Relationships Is So Important Plus steps you can take to open up more. By Wendy Rose Gould Wendy Rose Gould LinkedIn Wendy Rose Gould is a lifestyle reporter with over a decade of experience covering health and wellness topics. Learn about our editorial process Updated on March 07, 2023 Medically reviewed Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Margaret Seide, MD Medically reviewed by Margaret Seide, MD LinkedIn Margaret Seide, MS, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment of depression, addiction, and eating disorders. 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It keeps us honest with each other and ourselves, breaks down walls, eliminates the potential for miscommunication and misunderstandings, and allows us to be wholly ourselves. Learn why vulnerability helps to foster healthy, authentic relationships, how you can learn to be more vulnerable, and what you risk when you don't open up with the people closest to you. What Is Vulnerability In Relationships? “Vulnerability is when a person willingly takes the risk to reveal their emotions and weaknesses,” says Shari Foos, a marriage and family therapist and founder of The Narrative Method. “This emotional openness is essential in all healthy relationships, as it paves the way for deeper understanding and evokes the empathy necessary for healthy long-term relationships.” She adds that, with open communication, others can better relate to you and imagine the nuance of your feelings. How to Know If You Are in a Healthy Relationship Why Vulnerability in Relationships Is Important It’s completely natural to want to guard yourself and your emotions. In fact, holding thoughts and feelings to your chest and away from others is a form of protection, sometimes making it hard to be vulnerable in a relationship. Shari Foos, MFT If you don't allow yourself to be vulnerable, your partner can't be expected to understand what you need and want from them. — Shari Foos, MFT However, being too closed off to others—especially in romantic relationships or very close friendships—can backfire. The bond itself is less satisfying, and your relationship may be even more susceptible to breaking. “If you don't allow yourself to be vulnerable, your partner can't be expected to understand what you need and want from them,” notes Foos. She adds, “They will undoubtedly respond in unsatisfactory ways. And then, because you don't feel supported, you can resent them and blame them rather than owning your feelings. And then, before you begin to be vulnerable, you’ve got a knot to unwind.” All relationships are prone to fissures; think of vulnerability as the mortar that helps fill in the cracks. What to Do If Your Partner Won't Talk About Their Feelings 4 Ways to Foster More Vulnerability in Relationships Like many things in life, being vulnerable doesn’t always come naturally. In fact, it can be really difficult to express ourselves honestly with someone else out of fear of rejection or judgment. “We are our own worst critics, and the fear that our partner might agree with the worst things we think about ourselves is terrifying,” says Foos. “So, we defend ourselves by hiding that fear. The irony is that the only way to be seen and heard is to take the risk and have a positive outcome.” In some cases, it’s difficult to open up because we aren’t wholly vulnerable even with ourselves; tapping into our inner core often means having to deal with uncomfortable or confusing emotions. If you struggle to open up or want to find new ways to be open and emotionally vulnerable in relationships, consider taking the steps listed below. Discuss Vulnerability Itself “Dive right in by sharing how you feel about discussing your vulnerability,” advises Foos. “Let your partner know how you felt being vulnerable in the past. Did it help you connect deeply, or did you end up getting hurt?” Simply having a better understanding of why you might struggle with vulnerability can help you connect with your partner on the matter. It's also a good first step to embracing vulnerability in relationships versus avoiding it. Name a Fear “Any topic that evokes difficult emotions for you is one that you should find a way to work through,” advises Foos. “Sometimes, just naming a fear aloud makes it seem smaller and relieves some of its sting.” We all have fears. Whether it's sexuality, money, or family challenges, she says you can benefit from talking about your feelings with someone who will listen closely without judgment. Discuss a Recent Experience One way to open up the channels of communication and vulnerability is to discuss the things that are happening in your life. Maybe you had a run-in with a stranger that left you confused, or maybe you’re dealing with something new at work. Simply start with the facts, then share how this experience impacted you. The experience doesn’t have to be negative. Maybe it’s something that left you beaming! Share a Goal Is there a short or long-term goal you’re aiming for? Sharing what that goal is and why it’s important to you is an easy way to connect with another person. Even better, you’ll surely gain a cheerleader that’s excited to watch (and maybe even help) you succeed. Navigating the 4 Stages of a Relationship When Privacy May Be Better Than Vulnerability in Relationships While vulnerability in relationships is crucial, there’s certainly a balance to strike between being vulnerable and keeping some details to ourselves. “One of the best new habits you can create is the habit of considering the impact of sensitive information before sharing it with others,” says Foos. “For example, confiding your dislike of someone’s character or behavior to a close friend—even when you trust your feelings will be held confidentially—can leave you feeling guilty and regretful.” Other “off-limit” topics might include sexual history (especially if this might lead to potential jealousy or pain with a romantic partner), certain financial or health details, fears or thoughts that you haven’t fully worked through on your own that might negatively impact your relationship, and grudges you haven’t been able to let go of yet. How to Express Your Feelings A Word From Verywell Vulnerability is an opportunity to grow as a person and a way to find deep satisfaction in your relationships. Opening up and relinquishing your fears of rejection helps builds trust and honesty with others, fosters empathy, and builds stronger bonds. It’s not always easy to be vulnerable and doing so often requires taking deliberate steps. The work is worth it. Relationship Emotions: How to Express Feelings in a Relationship By Wendy Rose Gould Wendy Rose Gould is a lifestyle reporter with over a decade of experience covering health and wellness topics. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit Speak to a Therapist for Relationships Advertiser Disclosure × The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which Verywell Mind receives compensation.