Able Quote by John Welwood
“A relationship that has any depth and power at all will inevitably penetrate our usual shield of defenses, exposing our most tender and sensitive spots, and leaving us feeling vulnerable - literally, 'able to be wounded.' To love, in this sense, is to open ourselves to being hurt. The dream of love would have us believe that something is wrong if a relationship causes us pain. Yet trying to avoid the wound of love only creates a more permanent kind of damage. It prevents us from opening ourselves fully, and this keeps us from ever forming a deeply satisfying intimate connection.”
About This Quote
True love requires openness, making us vulnerable to pain, yet avoiding vulnerability prevents deep, fulfilling connections.
In simple terms: Love means opening up, even if it hurts.
Key Takeaway
Embrace vulnerability to foster intimacy.
Themes
love
vulnerability
intimacy
pain
growth
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- therapy
- personal development
- relationship counseling
- self-help
- mindfulness
Key Concepts
attachment theory
emotional risk
relationship dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- What wounds have you hidden?
- How can vulnerability become a strength?
A Different Perspective
Avoiding pain can create lasting emotional barriers.
