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

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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.

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