Whether it’s a first date with someone you like or something personal you share with a new friend, opening up can be scary. While you may believe you are only exposing yourself by sharing information, you are also gaining insight into who people are. It is important to open up because it builds meaningful, honest, and fulfilling relationships. If you want this kind of relationship, it starts with opening up about yourself.
Start Small
Ever met someone new and just felt comfortable sharing personal information, but later found out that the person was untrustworthy? When building a relationship with someone new, it may be wiser to share some information over time. Time reveals character, and you want to see who people are with a little information before you share more information. You might not share a secret with someone you just met, but maybe you share with them if you’re having a rough day. The goal is to open up, but in small ways, and take note of their response. Do they show that they care, or are they dismissive? Their response reveals whether they can provide a safe space for you to express yourself.
Take a Risk
Many people do not open up because of the fear of judgment. You might be afraid that sharing something personal makes you vulnerable to ridicule and criticism. While there are risks to opening up, there are also rewards. Imagine being able to be fully accepted for who you are. Imagine having someone who understands you completely. Imagine being supported in your time of need. These are the rewards that come with opening up. I want you to not only consider what you risk by opening up but also what you risk by not opening up. Could you be missing out on deeper connections?
Trust Your Intuition
Intuition is a powerful tool that we can use when it comes to opening up.
If you feel hesitant about sharing information with others, it’s okay to communicate this to them. You might say, “At this time, I don’t feel comfortable sharing that.” It’s important you feel comfortable with the information you choose to share. If you feel uneasy about revealing something, ask yourself: Is this my intuition guiding me? Sometimes it isn’t anxiety. It’s your intuition. When you don’t listen to your intuition, it causes anxiety. It is essential to trust your intuition when sharing personal information.
Open Your Heart
Past negative experiences can often make you believe that opening up isn’t safe. While protecting your heart might keep you safe, it can also prevent you from developing loving relationships. Your heart is precious, and the right people will handle it carefully. Being cautious is a strength until you miss out on what you want. If you’re guarded, you could miss out on a great relationship. At the same time, if you’re too open, you can risk being taken advantage of. The key is to find a nice balance between the two. Be open but do it cautiously.
Create the Space
Opening up isn’t easy, but it’s a necessary step in building meaningful and close relationships. When you are building something, it takes time. Similarly, in a relationship, it takes time to build trust. If you want to build trust, it starts with being open. While it does require vulnerability, it also requires intuition. Trust yourself to know who to trust. Once you trust someone, share your heart with them. Opening your heart to the right people creates space for some of the best relationships.