“It takes real courage to be vulnerable and open to love”
— Gabor Mate
Simplified Meaning:
Letting yourself be vulnerable and open to love can be very scary, but it's also very brave. When you allow someone to see your true feelings and get close to you, you're taking a big risk because they might hurt you or reject you. Imagine you share a deep secret or show your weaknesses to a friend or a partner; this makes you feel exposed because you trust them enough to reveal your true self. It’s much easier to stay guarded and hide your emotions to avoid getting hurt. But when you take the chance to open up, you also give yourself the opportunity to experience real, meaningful connections with others. For example, if you have a passion for painting but are afraid to show your work because of fear of criticism, putting your art out there takes a lot of courage. If you do share it, you might connect with people who appreciate your talent and even form deeper relationships based on mutual respect and admiration. So, allowing yourself to be open can lead to stronger, more fulfilling relationships, even though it feels risky.