The Benefits of Vulnerability: Why Showing Your Weaknesses Is a Strength

Last updated by Rosie Harlow

A world full of sharks. Who hasn’t heard that phrase before? We’re often told this to teach us how to protect ourselves and avoid showing our weaknesses. If we appear vulnerable, others might take advantage of us. But… I disagree. In my opinion, there are many benefits to showing our weaknesses—in fact, I’d even say it’s a real strength. Let me explain why.

The Benefits of Vulnerability: Why Showing Your Weaknesses Is a Strength

Showing up with authenticity

When I think of someone who doesn’t want to show their weaknesses, I think of armor 🤺. And let’s be honest, I mostly think of a man in armor. A man who grew up in the culture of the alpha male and believes that showing vulnerability makes you weak or a coward. 

But I want to tell him, and anyone who thinks the same, what’s so bad about being “a coward”? Why is showing vulnerability a problem 🤨 ?

I believe that by accepting our vulnerability, we actually become truly strong. It’s easy to act tough, to pretend nothing affects us. But admitting that we have flaws, that we’re not invincible—that’s real strength.

📌

I’m not saying you should reveal everything to everyone all at once. It’s important to choose the right moments and the right people, take it step by step, and respect social norms. If you find it difficult to recognize “the right moments” or understand these norms, you might want to consider if you’re affected by an autistic spectrum disorder.

👋 You might also like this article: “Never good enough”: Let’s put an end to that feeling!

Seeing yourself as you truly are

For me, admitting our weaknesses is the first step to overcoming them. Brené Brown, a psychologist, explains that vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation and change. Being aware of our flaws and weaknesses is a way to turn our imperfections into strengths. If we hide who we really are, we’ll never truly work on ourselves or improve.

It’s like going to the doctor and not telling them the real symptoms of your illness. How do you expect them to treat you 😅 ?

Maybe this sounds cliché, but for me, accepting our shadows is the only way to truly shine ☀️. Yes, it takes courage to face ourselves and let others see us as we are, but I promise you it leads to greater inner peace.

👋 You might also like this article: What is rejection therapy?

Spreading positive values

Let me go back to the first sentence of my introduction: I don’t think the world is full of sharks 🦈. If you see society in such a negative light, it might reflect your own behavior. If you see predators everywhere, take a moment to reflect on your relationship with competition 👀.

On the contrary, acknowledging our weaknesses is a shield against the temptation to feel superior, to look down on others, and to lock ourselves into a self-serving bias. When we’re aware of our own limits, we’re more tolerant of others’ limits. And by being transparent about our vulnerabilities, we encourage others to do the same. This allows them to see themselves in us, building trust. It’s a real strength that fosters relationships free of negativity and mistrust 🥰.

In short, by daring to be vulnerable, we become agents of a more empathetic and supportive world. We create more genuine, deeper relationships. Ultimately, that’s what true courage is: choosing authenticity over fear to build more human connections and a more compassionate society 💪.

Editor’s Note: The courage to show your weaknesses

We can’t emphasize this enough—embracing our vulnerability is an act of courage that allows us to connect more deeply with ourselves and others. By accepting our imperfections, we open the door to a more authentic and fulfilling life, where strength lies in acceptance and mutual understanding. Showing our weaknesses creates a space of trust and compassion, fostering more sincere relationships and a more supportive society.

A professional can guide you through this process, helping you better understand your emotions and develop strategies to accept and express your vulnerability.

🤗 Understand yourself, accept yourself, and be happy... It starts here and now!
#BornToBeMe

Connect with an advisor

Also check out: 

Article presented by
Rosie, Harlow

"Writing has always been a form of therapy for me. For as long as I can remember, I have always used paper as a punching bag. Get to know me, I am Rosie Harlow."

Read our latest articles here:

5 Tips to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: Embrace the Unknown!

I’m starting to get tired of the routine and daily grind. Yet, I’m hesitant to step out of my comfort zone and take the leap. My bubble is reassuring, and so far, I’ve thrived in it, but I no longer want to be held back by the fear of trying new things. Stepping out of your comfort zone brings many benefits, so how can you dare to take the plunge? Here are 5 tips to get started! 💪

New Year’s Resolutions: Choose Them Wisely or Give Yourself a Break!

We tend to think of New Year as a sort of fresh start, making it the perfect time to break a bad habit and adopt a better one. After all, we all want to be better, so it’s natural to want to make good resolutions to bring about change. But what happens when we don’t stick to them? After years and years of watching t-shirts pile up because “this year, I’m starting to exercise” and never following through, hello, sense of failure! So, what do we do with New Year’s resolutions? Do we choose better ones or just forget about them altogether? 🥳

What is Neuroatypicality? Why Is It Being Talked About?

If there’s one article I was eager to write for Wengood, it’s this one. I’m part of what’s called the “neuro-A” community, in other words, “neuroatypical” individuals. It might be a term you’ve heard before without really knowing what it means. So, what is neuroatypicality or neurodivergence? Is it an illness? A personality trait? A way of functioning? If you’re asking yourself these questions, you’re in the right place—I’m here to answer them.

Intermittent Explosive Disorder: When Anger Becomes Destructive

Intense anger outbursts, disproportionate verbal and physical aggression… These are all signs that may indicate intermittent explosive disorder (IED). I know what I’m talking about because someone in my family has it. For a long time, I struggled to understand their explosive anger reactions. I think they themselves didn’t know why they reacted that way… until they were diagnosed. Let me explain.

How to Dare to Approach Others? 7 Tips to Follow

The big introvert that I am has long struggled to approach others. It’s true that taking a step toward someone isn’t easy, especially when you’re dealing with additional challenges: introversion, lack of self-confidence, social anxiety… Having experienced all of this myself, but having made progress over the past few years, I have a few tips to share with you so that you too can come out of your shell. Let’s get started!

The Psychological Impact of a Burglary: How to Overcome It?

If I’ve never experienced a burglary as an adult, I did go through it during my childhood. I remember the uneasy feeling of knowing that strangers had entered our home. I kept wondering if they would come back… The psychological impact of a burglary should not be underestimated. What does it trigger? How can one overcome the feelings of fear and insecurity? Let me share my thoughts with you.

Is Working With Your Partner A Good Or Bad Idea?

Sharing everything with your partner is a sign of a healthy relationship for some people, even when it comes to working. However, that being said, for others, working with their partner just seems like a bad idea and the perfect recipe for tension. Do we need to separate our personal and professional lives, or is it okay to blur the lines and mix everything? After all, what could do wrong? Find out how to cope when your significant other is also your coworker!

My Sister Is Jealous Of Me

“In any case, you’re the favorite.” I’ve heard this phrase coming from my sister’s mouth over and over again. For a long time, her jealousy spoiled our lives, but I only wanted one thing: for us to be close and united. She poured her resentment in my face for many years until it got out of control. I couldn’t stand feeling so much anger and guilt at the same time. Soothing 30 years of jealousy hasn’t been easy, but there are ways to avoid getting to that point. I didn’t want jealousy to cut me off from my sister!

How Do Narcissistic People Treat Their Children?

Growing up with narcissistic parents is certainly no easy feat, because, let's face it, people with this disorder are unsympathetic, selfish, manipulative, egotistical, and dishonest, yes, that's right, these traits aren't exactly those showcased by the parents of the year. Realistically, these folks simply don't have the basic qualities required to become good parents, which is why, when they choose to have a family, things often spin out of control, and the narcissistic abuse undoubtedly crushes children's mental health.

Why Do I Want To Seduce Everyone? Compulsive Seduction Explained

Is the gaze and approval of others essential for you? Are you incapable of saying no? Do you do everything you can to get yourself noticed? This excessive need to please may well be indicative of a profound uneasiness. Why do you need to feel validated by other people so much? And how can you free yourself from this oppressing tendency? We reveal everything you need to know for a more straightforward lifestyle.



Wengood's favorite tunes 🎵

Wengood's playlist

wengood

  1. Only LoveBen Howard
    4:08
  2. Invalid date
  3. Fix YouColdplay
    4:55
  4. Beautiful DayU2
    4:08
  5. Thinking out LoudEd Sheeran
    4:41
  6. White FlagDido
    4:00
  7. Lay Me DownSam Smith
    4:13
  8. Nine Million BicyclesKatie Melua
    3:17
  9. Put Your Records OnCorinne Bailey Rae
    3:35
  10. Summertime SadnessLana Del Rey
    4:24
  11. Imagine - Remastered 2010John Lennon
    3:07
  12. Shake It OutFlorence + The Machine
    4:37
  13. Space Oddity - Love You Til Tuesday versionDavid Bowie
    3:46
  14. What A Wonderful WorldLouis Armstrong
    2:17
  15. With Or Without YouU2
    4:56
  16. HelloAdele
    4:55
  17. Don't Stop Me NowQueen
    3:29
  18. Skinny LoveBirdy
    3:21
  19. WingsBirdy
    4:12
  20. Californian SoilLondon Grammar
    3:41

How to detect a narcissist

How to detect a narcissist

How to soothe an anxiety attack

How to soothe an anxiety attack