We’re all familiar with the discomfort of vulnerability. When we open ourselves up we are increasing our chances of getting hurt, or being rejected for who we truly are. However, did you know that vulnerability can also increase your oxytocin, or the love hormone, and can actually be used to strengthen your relationship?
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On this episode, I break down the hormones and chemicals that mediate our experience of being vulnerable, the role oxytocin plays in both intimacy and feeling unsafe, and why you need to be using your vulnerability to strengthen your relationship rather than pushing it away.
When you give yourself permission to be yourself in your relationship, no matter what relationship it is, it helps you live your own life more authentically. By being honest to yourself and those around you by coming from a place of love, you can become more comfortable asking for helping and have more courage in yourself.
It is time to stop living in fear for what might happen, and let someone see you for who you truly are. While it is not easy to share our more innermost selves with others, if you have the strength, the rewards are worth the risk.
In This Episode
- Understanding the role oxytocin plays in intimacy and vulnerability
- Using your vulnerability as a strength to make relationships more fulfilling
- Fostering attention and motivation to take care of any relationship
- Questions to ask yourself to assess how vulnerable you are being with yourself
- How to increase your oxytocin to motivate yourself to live authentically
Quotes
“Falling in love and revealing our innermost selves to another can be terrifying for some people. But being vulnerable can actually be the key to a more successful relationship.” (6:41)
“The brain identifies vulnerability in a relationship, and then invests in trying to strengthen it.” (10:01)
“Allowing ourselves to be vulnerable in our most intimate relationships, even when it is really really scary, can ultimately lead to the relationship we truly desire.” (12:43)