(O) Openness - Being An 'Open' Person

Learn how embracing openness, honesty, and vulnerability in recovery can lead to deeper relationships, self-understanding, and a more fulfilling life.

Before recovery, it was easy to be a closed person. I had a lot of secrets that I was hiding; I had a lot of shame that I was covering up too...I was living a double life. Maybe you can relate?

As I have journeyed along in sobriety, I have learned to be open in my communication in safe spaces and to share my stories and to listen to others through recovery meetings. It has allowed me to learn to be more vulnerable and trustworthy.

Being an Open Person

It’s helpful to take a look at what being an open person means. Of course, there isn’t one definition, but there are common themes when defining openness.

Part of being an ‘open’ person is honesty. Honesty is undoubtedly an attribute of open people. When you are honest, you have less to hide, so you can be more approachable and friendly.

Part of this is also taking risks by not always telling people what they want to hear because it can be deceptive. Practice sharing your TRUE thoughts and opinions without worrying about judgment.

Being open means kindly and freely expressing your thoughts, opinions, likes, and dislikes without the fear of what other people think. Talk about yourself! But honor boundaries and know your audience; not everything needs to be shared with everyone. Find that delicate balance.

You have to be vulnerable. With people you trust, find the freedom to share your pain and your joy. In return, be that friend to others who need it. Understand it takes confidence to be vulnerable, so truly listen and honor their story.

The Value of Being Open

There is so much value in being open, and the rewards are great. You find deeper friendships, a better understanding of self, a life that is based on truth.

Other people trust you more because you live an honest life. With this also comes respect and admiration. It isn’t about ego or being selfish; it is just a natural progression that comes with living an honest life.

You provide service to others by being that person they can come to when they are struggling. By mutually sharing experiences, healthy relationships are formed.

You may also become a role model to many, including your own children. By modeling truth, openness, and vulnerability, you give them a gift they can learn and then use in their own life.

Building Stronger Relationships Through Openness

Many of these suggestions can be helpful in intimate relationships: trust, honesty, vulnerability. If you are ready to expand on the concept, then the Sober Love Relationship Blueprint can benefit you.

You will learn about five major areas that are a foundation to healthy and meaningful intimate relationships:

All of which come together to prepare you for healthy, deep, meaningful intimate relationships.

It is an opportunity to join other women in recovery who are on the same page. Find support, learn, grow, and give it back!