[MyLittleBlackHeart]

Does it EVER become easier...less challenging?
I would like to say I have grown less vulnerable as I have matured, though honestly I think I just protect myself better....because when someone does get 'in'.....I am as vulnerable as ever.

[Kevinaswell]

Describe what's challenging?

Describe what you're vulnerable of?

[MyLittleBlackHeart]

What is challenging? Well, when I open up to someone (be a friend or special other or even a family member) I am fully open. Now dont get me wrong, I am not a youngster.....and I can count MAYBE a dozen people in my entire lifetime I have let 'in'.

Being that I would do everything to protect those particular people from ever being hurt by me at all costs to myself....it doesnt work the same....especially in special other relationships. I dont see a way to avoid that personally ...besides not letting it happen. Hurting them or seeing them hurt: hurts me.


Someone I am very, very close to is a 5w6 ....he has a harder time than I do, though he doesnt mind hurting feelings as much as I do......

[Thracius]

yes you can, learn about core confidence, I've grown a lot more in the past 14 months than in the period before

learn to not be afraid to look at things and interact with people, withdrawing doesn't really help, except if you really need to rest, but don't use it as an excuse

so be more of an extrovert, it's not that hard, you can take small steps in the beginning

[WickedQueen]

Let me get this straight. You mean...: you like them as friends, and you let them know the inside of you. And then you find out that they want you more than a friend, and you don't know what to do to avoid them, because you're afraid that it will hurt their feelings and seeing them get hurt will hurt you as well??

Correct me if I'm wrong. I take everything literary.


.

[Thracius]

I take everything literary.

I take it with a pinch of salt, or basil, or oregano...

btw I'm going to a private party at a club tonight, it's gonna be awesome and here's the kicker, I'm a type 5w4, but I've learned to be more extroverted, which brings heaps of "emotional rewards"; I've felt I have no life for years, but as soon as I've started engaging more people, boom, here it is

[Kevinaswell]

Human connection is the essence of it all <3

[MyLittleBlackHeart]

Let me get this straight. You mean...: you like them as friends, and you let them know the inside of you. And then you find out that they want you more than a friend, and you don't know what to do to avoid them, because you're afraid that it will hurt their feelings and seeing them get hurt will hurt you as well??

Correct me if I'm wrong. I take everything literary.


.

I understand. No, that isnt what I am saying.

I see 5's have a horrible time connecting because TRULY at the core we are SO vulnerable. So, if you do let someone in you are completly naked for them. No armor. (emotionally speaking)...so it makes it very difficult to do, especially if you have been hurt in the past.

[Kevinaswell]

I understand. No, that isnt what I am saying.

I see 5's have a horrible time connecting because TRULY at the core we are SO vulnerable. So, if you do let someone in you are completly naked for them. No armor. (emotionally speaking)...so it makes it very difficult to do, especially if you have been hurt in the past.

This is very true for me.

It makes me feel.....foolish?

[MyLittleBlackHeart]

Exactly.........so, I am wondering.........how do you 'arm' yourself. No matter how much I try, all I find I am doing is pushing people away to protect myself vs wanting to try to open up.

**I am quite extraverted in my job (exhausts me honestly, though I enjoy it)...though still very reserved on a personal/intimate level