Vulnerability

I grew up as a missionary kid, moving 20 times before I graduated high school. Even though I was shy, I began to dislike small talk (either because I knew I’d be leaving soon and the clock was ticking or because, well, small talk sucks), which is why when you meet me I’ll probably ask you some deeply personal question within the first five minutes. I’m interested in your deepest story. And I happen to believe vulnerability is a more efficient way of getting there.

So here’s something that feels vulnerable for me to admit: the number one thing I look for when I meet people is their ability to listen and be present. If I sense someone is unwilling to at least try to listen and be present, I tend to distance myself emotionally for fear of being hurt. This feels vulnerable to admit because I think it makes me sound super judgmental. But chances are I'll ask you to be vulnerable, so I figured I’d go first.