"Would you like to go out some time?"
"I'm crazy about you."
"I love you."
"Will you marry me?"
"Let's work at this; I don't want to lose you."
Each of these relationship-based statements has one thing in common: placing oneself in a vulnerable position. The potential for pain and rejection exists when taking a risk to share feelings and desires in a loving relationship. Some choose to not take the risk, saving them from the possibility of being hurt.
The downside of evading exposure to rejection is far greater though; it means avoiding the potential for great joy as well. Whether it is taking a chance by asking someone for a date or being vulnerable with a partner in a relationship that needs repair, some level of risk is required to move towards a greater level of happiness.
To those who are risk adverse in relationships:
- Take a chance.
- Be vulnerable.
- Enjoy the reward of happiness.
"To be alive is to be vulnerable."
~Madeleine L'Engle
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Yes…
Bruce Sallan (@BruceSallan)´s Last Fabulous Post ..Graduating Into Life
Hum … okay I must confess up front that I have (relationship) commitment issues – but that stems from being married for many years and then divorced so trust me when I say nothing will change that. On the other hand, I enthusiastically agree about the value finding the courage to put ourselves out into the world to experience as much as life has to offer!
marquita herald´s Last Fabulous Post ..Hope Gives Us the Will and Power to Try
Thanks for your comment Marquita. It can be difficult to overcome commitment issues–something I readily admit I still battle. I have had so many wonderful experiences from being brave and allowing myself to be vulnerable so I will continue to do it–regardless of the difficulty.
Kelly Sajonia´s Last Fabulous Post ..Love and Hate
Yes, this is true & always working on it! 🙂
Jody – Fit at 54´s Last Fabulous Post ..BUTT LIFT – Who Needs one??
It is something to be ever-mindful of, but worth the risk
Kelly Sajonia´s Last Fabulous Post ..Progress from Perfectionism
Hi Kelly,
Direct, to the point and makes a heap of sense. Thankyou
be good to yourself
David
David Stevens´s Last Fabulous Post ..You can Design your very own Mid Life years…You have the Power
Thank you for the kind words David!
“Be good to yourself.” What a wonderful comment and reminder. Something I try to focus on daily.
Kelly Sajonia´s Last Fabulous Post ..How to Eliminate Stress by Focusing on Happiness
Well said Kelly. The fear of rejection is the basic, primal fear that dampens our confidence and destroys our initiative. Our survival instincts tell us to be safe and never risk vulnerability. Yet, how are we to experience our superlatively creative nature if we never leave our comfort zone? Allowing ourselves to feel vulnerable is a fabulous positive step toward fulfilling on our dreams.
rob white´s Last Fabulous Post ..Overcoming Our Greatest Fear
If left unchecked, the fear you mention can be paralyzing. Life can be a wonderful experience by taking those risks.
Thanks for the comment!
Kelly Sajonia´s Last Fabulous Post ..30 Days to a Happier Life