Avoiding vulnerability is a common machiavellianism response that ultimately worsens it. Understanding the paradoxical relationship between vulnerability and machiavellianism opens new pathways for recovery.
How Avoiding Vulnerability Maintains Machiavellianism
- Concealing machiavellianism from others prevents the connection that would help
- The energy required to maintain a facade when machiavellianism is high is enormous
- Shame about machiavellianism thrives in secrecy — vulnerability interrupts this
- Authentic expression of machiavellianism often elicits the support that reduces it
Brené Brown's Research Relevance to Machiavellianism
Brown's research shows that people with high levels of shame (common in machiavellianism) avoid vulnerability — which paradoxically increases shame and machiavellianism. Courage to be vulnerable interrupts this cycle.
Practicing Vulnerability with Machiavellianism
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.