Vulnerability

I had a co-worker express today in a meeting that she is just not good at feeling vulnerable. She had shown a bit of emotion over a subject that no one would have expected her to act like she "had it altogether" in. She over and over expressed that she was so sorry for showing her emotion. How do you make someone understand that you truly don't hold anything against them for showing it? In fact, I don't really see anything wrong with them showing their emotion in the first place. I had learned in a communication class in college that vulnerability helps connectivity. I did a quick search online to see if I could find a similar article for her, and stumbled across this:

http://www.hodu.com/vulnerability.shtml

It made me think. ...I know always a good thing right : ) While I do not purposefully try to hide my emotions, feelings, etc, keeping myself from feeling vulnerable has become a defense mechanism. And to an extent, it can destroy relationships. Our Being Authentic group from church has been talking about how much authentic relationships are shaped by the openness. Communication to the max, which is a big struggle for a lot of people. What is it about our culture that we have been raised to be hush hush about everything? It's like the big boys don't cry falacy. hmmm. this may take some googling. or weighty conversation with hot chocolate and popcorn in to the hours of the morning. who's up??