True! To be comfortable and emotionally secure enough, and be vulnerable with someone, is the character of a truly strong person.
Most of us (though not all) women, most of the time (though not all the time or in every situation)...are naturally able to show our vulnerable side to people, simply because we our able to emotionally express, feel comfort and relief in such expressions, and are not discouraged during childhood to do so. We feel safe to emotionally express. There is no shame attached to it!
But, men struggle a lot with this! This not so obvious struggle that they face, masking it all as strength, all by themselves, without an appropriate outlet, internalizing it all! It is such a burden! And not very healthy either! I really feel for them!
Our societal structure, deters men from such expression, in childhood itself, by attaching 'shame' and 'rejection' to such expression. This is utterly unfair!
We need to move away from such unhealthy and unfair structures! These do not serve towards a healthy society!
Man or woman, we must all ensure that either feels safe to emotionally express, and that within our family, and close friends, we create and maintain an environment of acceptance and love, to offer genuine support during such vulnerable times.
And not by way of jumping into giving advice! But instead, by just being there for them in that moment, quietly acknowledging the sharing, appreciating their strength for sharing, and reciprocating with understanding.
Sometime last month, I was reading Jonathon Livingston Seagull aloud for Sam. Something inspirational came up in the read, and I got emotional and teared up. He was surprised and looked rather confused. I simply explained to him that inspirational things tear me up sometimes! And he said 'Ohhhh ok! It's fine! . This happened two more times, and he seemed to have understood.
SoulNotes to Self: Happiness is...being able to express freely!
It is important for us to show our children (especially boys), it is ok to express our emotions, and the reasons behind these. This way, when they face similar emotions, they will either be able to process the emotion appropriately, or can feel safe to come to you to express these.
We need to consciously encourage their emotional intelligence, expression and acceptance!
Love, from my soul to yours!
Soulful
Comments