Our inner world is not only private but extremely precious as well. It is the only space where we have full control over whom we allow and what we open up to. Interestingly, what we share with whom defines and shapes our relationships in the world.

With whom do we share our plans, hopes, and aspirations? Often, we choose not to say anything until things play out, fearing we may jinx it. It also removes the pressure off us in case things work out differently. And yet, we need someone to accompany us through our ups and downs, knowing they will cheer and steer us no matter how things go.

With whom do we share our concerns? We may not want our fears to be known, and yet, we need someone to give us perspective.

With whom do we share our personal struggles? There is a part of us that we know which the world cannot see. We may clearly see the gap between what we are and how we want to be. Opening up to that makes us vulnerable, and yet we need someone to hear us without judging us.

With whom do we share relationship problems? Sometimes we land in a situation where our emotions cloud our clarity, and discussing things would mean opening up about other people as well. And yet, we need someone in our corner to point out where we have gone wrong, and also stand by us when we may have been wronged.

With whom do we share our joys and successes? Easy as it may sound, we run the risk of being perceived as egoistic and self-centred if we are not careful in handling ourselves in success. And yet, we need someone who will be as excited and happy for us when things go well.

When we put names to all these questions, we may well discover another interesting fact – there are many whom we may be close to, but choose not to share many things with.

We can only truly start sharing and opening up when we stop worrying about how we will be perceived, drop the insecurity of getting hurt by allowing others in our life, and realise that sharing our vulnerabilities does not make us weak, it strengthens us. Sharing builds trust.

If we ever wonder who the people are with whom we carry the strongest bond, we need to ask a simple question – Whom do we share things with?

(Picture – Monachil, Spain)