Growing up as a man, you hear statements like "Be a Man", "Men don't cry" or "Why are you behaving like a woman?", all because you were vulnerable or you showed some emotions. So many of us grow up believing that being vulnerable is a sign of weakness.
Definitely, being a man requires you to always show up strong, because a lot of people count on your strength especially your family. But that doesn't mean that you become another person, putting up walls, always acting like you have all the answers and never admitting that you need help. This is where vulnerability becomes necessary.
Vulnerability is necessary because it allows you to build meaningful relationships with the people around you. This can only happen when people around you understand you and who you are. It is only when you open up about your struggles that people will know exactly how to assist you. Men are human too and they carry a lot on their shoulders. So it's okay to cry out when the weight becomes too much.
Embracing vulnerability is also good because it helps you accept when you are wrong, and admit when you don't have the answers. It helps you admit when you make a mistake or when you are in pains and struggling. Honestly it takes courage to be vulnerable, most especially as a man and this is because of the stigma attached to it. But there's also time we unlearn these things.
Life can be hard sometimes, so we all need help in such times. Some women are married to men they can't help because they don't know when he needs help and when he doesn't. Most parts, those men even find it difficult to accept they need help and to take help when offered. But that's a recipe for High Blood pressure and other related illnesses.
So I encourage you
not be afraid of being open and vulnerable to your loved ones,
not be afraid of asking for and accepting help when offered,
not to shed a tear or two when heartbroken and your heart bleeds,
not to be afraid of being understood by your children.
If you find someone close and trustworthy, we can start practicing the act of vulnerability with them.
Don't forget, las las, we will be alright.