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