The Case for Vulnerability in Relationships Matters for Building Trust Vulnerability is often misunderstood as simply being open or honest, but it's a complex concept that requires exposure to potential injury, loss, or harm.
This can be a daunting prospect, especially when applied to interpersonal relationships. What is Vulnerability, Anyway?
Robert Jay Lifton defined vulnerability as "exposure to injury, loss, or harm," which highlights the risks involved in being open with others.