The word vulnerable means “to wound” or “capable of being wounded,” whereas weakness is defined as “the inability to withstand attack or wounding.” From a purely linguistic perspective, one could make the argument that weakness stems from a lack of vulnerability, for if ignored, the risk of being hurt increases. If vulnerability is weakness, why does it look like strength in others? We’re inspired when people face failure and trials with raw honesty and openness, yet we shame ourselves when we feel weak amidst similar challenges. The crux of the struggle is that we want to see vulnerability in others but don’t want to be vulnerable ourselves. If we want our children or a loved one to be vulnerable with us, we must reject this double standard and enter the arena ourselves.