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By embracing vulnerability, men can build deeper connections, improve their mental and physical health, and lead more fulfilling lives.
Shahid believes that aggression cannot attract people, but vulnerability does.
In a society that often equates masculinity with strength and stoicism, Shahid Kapoor has openly discussed the importance of vulnerability in men. He shared his thoughts on the importance of emotional expression and the need to break down societal norms that restrict men from showing their vulnerabilities. The actor, in a recent interview with Faye D’Souza, pointed out that Indian men have been told from a very young age to be the provider and protector of the family, which places immense pressure on them.
Elaborating further, Shahid told Faye D’Souza that aggression cannot attract people, but vulnerability does. He added, “Sometimes, you just want to relax and be like, ‘I don’t have to keep worrying about everything and everybody all the time, and I can just maybe be vulnerable and let somebody else protect me. Why can’t we flip roles sometimes?’ You can feel like that, and you are fair to feel like that because eventually, we are humans.”
He then went on to say that men feel all kinds of emotions, but they find it hard to express their vulnerable side. “I think because I am an actor, I am comfortable with it. It is a part of what I do. When you are an actor, you also understand that vulnerability is extremely attractive. Aggression cannot attract people the way vulnerability does. It’s only human to be vulnerable, so as a man you should be okay with it,” the Kabir Singh actor stated.
While vulnerability is becoming more popular in progressive groups, it still encounters opposition, especially in societies that place great emphasis on traditional masculine norms. This stigma associated with vulnerability in men can create challenges for those who wish to express their emotions more freely. It is important to understand that by embracing vulnerability, men can build deeper connections, improve their mental and physical health, and lead more fulfilling lives. Learn some tips here to be more vulnerable:
- Be true to yourself: Real vulnerability is staying true to yourself and showing up in all your masculine energy. Remember, vulnerability is not a sign of weakness, but it is an act of strength that paves the way for genuine emotional intimacy.
- Acknowledge and accept your emotions: Being vulnerable requires acknowledging and accepting that your emotions are a fundamental part of being human.
- Communicate openly and honestly: Communicate your needs, fears, and desires openly with others. Avoid blaming the other person for your feelings. Remember that vulnerability is a two-way path, and by sharing your feelings, you invite the other person to reciprocate, fostering a deeper connection.
- Practice active listening: Active listening is a key component of expressing empathy, and it involves giving your full attention to the other person, without interruption or judgment. Try to understand and share the emotions of others by maintaining visual focus on the other person and using facial and body gestures, such as nodding, to show understanding.
- Let down your walls: Opening yourself up to a wider range of emotions and experiences can help you better know yourself. Begin by exploring your own feelings and reflecting on what their origins are and how they show up in your life.