July 25, 2022

On vulnerability with strangers

Six people of three different nationalities sat around the outside table. Two had recently arrived; one left yesterday; another departs next week. Such is the way with coliving.

As the evening matured, thoughts shared grew intimate, with challenges like what do you find attractive in others? It concluded with everyone stating what they admire about someone present.

It was, in turn, highly uncomfortable and deeply enriching. I was genuinely shocked by people's perceptions of me. Others felt seen in ways they never had before.

Such vulnerability, despite the group's transitory nature. Perhaps because of it.