Embracing Vulnerability Without Oversharing

Vulnerability is one of my superpowers. It’s a way for me to connect with others on a deeper, soul level—a way to truly see and be seen. When someone feels safe enough to be vulnerable with me, I feel deeply grateful to hold that space. In a world where so many of us walk around with facades, guarding ourselves against a sometimes cruel and emotionally charged world, vulnerability feels like a radical act of courage and self-awareness.

But vulnerability isn’t without its challenges. For me, it can sometimes lead to oversharing. In the moment, I might say something deeply personal, only to later realize it was something I would’ve preferred to keep sacred. Vulnerability requires us to share pieces of ourselves, but finding the line between genuine connection and revealing too much can be tricky.

Oversharing, in a sense, is part of vulnerability—it’s a necessary element to an extent. Sharing personal stories or intimate aspects of our lives can foster trust, build rapport, and create a safe space for others to open up. It can even feel refreshing to let others see the raw, unpolished parts of who I am. There’s beauty in that rawness; it reminds me of sonder, my favorite word—the realization that everyone around us has a story as vivid and complex as our own.

However, I’ve come to recognize the importance of protecting my vulnerability. Some parts of ourselves are sacred and deserve to remain untouched by the noise of external opinions or criticisms. Maintaining this balance allows me to stay authentic while preserving my sense of self.

Here are some ways I’m learning to embrace vulnerability without oversharing:

1. Listen More Than I SpeakSometimes, being vulnerable isn’t about what I share but about holding space for others to share. Listening with empathy creates connection without the need to bare my soul in every conversation.

2. Turn to JournalingWriting allows me to process my emotions and thoughts without the risk of oversharing. It’s a private outlet for the things I might later feel were too intimate to share publicly.

3. Confide in Trusted RelationshipsWhen I feel the urge to overshare, I try to channel it toward a close confidant or a therapist—someone I know will hold my thoughts with care and without judgment.

Being vulnerable is a courageous act of self-awareness and trust, but it’s also about boundaries. It’s knowing when to open up and when to keep certain things for myself. By finding that balance, I can continue to connect with others on a deep level while honoring the parts of me that deserve to remain sacred.