It is a fundamental part of the human condition to feel a burning desire to connect with others on the deepest level and to talk about the hard things with somebody without the fear of judgement. We all share this same passion for connection, so why is it so difficult for us to connect in today’s world?
To put it in simple terms, our society has stigmatized vulnerability. Being completely open with another person, with no barriers holding you back, has become taboo in the culture we live in. It is so fulfilling to have a conversation with your close friend about both your struggles and your mistakes. In those moments, you recognize the amount of trust they have in you, the struggles you might share and most importantly how much that person values you as an individual, being ready to share their most fragile moments with you.
Connection has been stripped from us, monetized and sold as a commodity. When you scroll through social media, everyone is portraying their best self for others to see, void of flaws or imperfections. This strips our humanity away, as we begin to see people as impossibly flawless. And it isn’t just online. Even physical closeness has been reduced to monetary exchange. Apps like Tinder sell access to connection through “matches” that can be boosted for a price. Even our own vulnerability can be sold back to us through paid AI companions that give us the connection we crave.
We need to reconnect with each other and with ourselves. It is so difficult to be vulnerable in the world we live in, but that just makes it even more important. We have a finite amount of time on this planet, and yet we spend it scrolling on social media instead of connecting with others on a human level.
It all starts with being vulnerable. If you’re having a tough time, reach out to a friend and talk to them about it. Odds are, they’ve been through a similar experience. You’d be surprised how similar we all are when we really open up to each other.
There aren’t many things that unite people quite like a desire for connection. Don’t be afraid of judgement. We all have flaws; they are what make us human. Human connection is a beautiful, powerful thing when you leave all prejudices and judgements aside.
If you’re willing to take the leap, to open yourself up to others and embrace vulnerability, you might begin to understand yourself and others in new ways.