Avoiding vulnerability is a common hexaco response that ultimately worsens it. Understanding the paradoxical relationship between vulnerability and hexaco opens new pathways for recovery.
How Avoiding Vulnerability Maintains HEXACO
- Concealing hexaco from others prevents the connection that would help
- The energy required to maintain a facade when hexaco is high is enormous
- Shame about hexaco thrives in secrecy — vulnerability interrupts this
- Authentic expression of hexaco often elicits the support that reduces it
Brené Brown's Research Relevance to HEXACO
Brown's research shows that people with high levels of shame (common in hexaco) avoid vulnerability — which paradoxically increases shame and hexaco. Courage to be vulnerable interrupts this cycle.
Practicing Vulnerability with HEXACO
Start small: share one authentic feeling with one trusted person. The feared negative response usually doesn't materialize — and when it doesn't, confidence in vulnerability builds.