I read these links. One thing popped out to me and that is that I think, generally speaking, that this word vulnerable has different meanings for most men than women.

For instance, I've had great relationships with guys I liked and admired - but we didn't bare all to each other, nor did it matter.

Conversely my wife knows everything there is to know about me. This idea of opening up or being vulnerable has always been extremely important to the women in my life.

The word scares me. Vulnerable. It just makes me feel scared.

On the other hand, having the deeply close relationship I have with her has required me to let go and allow myself to be in a position where I could be terribly hurt, perhaps beyond repair, if anything were to happen to our relationship. Vulnerable.

To me the difference between this and codependence is that neither of us are making the other miserable. No abuse. While we are very much dependent on each other we also make a bigger sum than the two of us alone.

None of my other relationships (work, etc...) have much to do with being vulnerable. My boss and I have a good relationship, but it isn't one where we share personal details with each other.

I know in the past I couldn't "surrender" myself into a situation where I felt vulnerable. I've found with age I'm able to do it more often. Its about being ok with releasing my own control. It can be very hard to do.

Being vulnerable is being able to show the other person "here I am... I'm revealing all of myself to you... Its ok and I hope you'll do the same..."