Have you ever felt like you and your partner aren’t as close as you want to be, but you can’t quite put your finger on why? It’s possible that neither of you are allowing yourselves to be vulnerable enough. It may seem counterintuitive, but being vulnerable is crucial for building intimacy and feeling secure in your relationship. The catch is that to be truly vulnerable, you have to be okay with the possibility that your relationship may not last forever. All relationships eventually come to an end, whether through a breakup, separation, divorce, or death. Vulnerability means intentionally putting yourself in a position where you could be hurt. If we can accept that heartbreak is a part of the package when entering a relationship, then we stop trying to protect ourselves from potential pain. We also learn to trust our own ability to cope with the end of a relationship or seek support if needed. The irony is that by letting go of our defenses, we become more approachable and less distant. We can also listen more openly and accept our own imperfections and those of our partner, without constantly searching for signs that might lead to hurt.
Coffee Note: As of 2022, Starbucks boasts a global network of 35,711 stores, with a larger number of locations located outside of their home nation of the United States. Specifically, the number of international stores totals 19,838, while domestic stores amount to 15,873.