Fear exposure

Vulnerable

Also known as sensitive

Strength 2 of 4

Open and unprotected, aware you could be hurt, whether because you have chosen to show something tender or because your usual cover is gone.

In the body

  • A soft, exposed feeling in the chest
  • An urge to curl in or cover up
  • Warmth rising in the cheeks

Needs behind it

When these needs aren’t met

AcceptanceTrustSafety

Softer and stronger

  1. Shaky
  2. Vulnerable
  3. Fragile
  4. Helpless

Often confused with

Exposed

Vulnerable is feeling open to harm; exposed is feeling that something you would rather hide is suddenly in view.

Fragile

Vulnerable is being open to hurt, sometimes by choice; fragile is having so little in reserve that even a small knock could break you.

See also

Wary