Love is not something we give or get; it is something that we nurture and grow, a connection that can only be cultivated between two people when it exists within each one of them- we can only love others as much as we love ourselves. Shame, blame, disrespect, betrayal, and the withholding of affection damage the roots from which love grows. Love can only survive these injuries if they are acknowledged, healed, and rare.

Vulnerability is not weakness.

The two most powerful words when we're in struggle: me too.

I'm an academic. I'm hardwired for a good debate.

Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren't always comfortable, but they're never weakness.

Healthy striving is self-focused: "How can I improve?" Perfectionism is other-focused: "What will they think?"

Vulnerability is the core, the heart, the center, of meaningful human experience.