{"id":77888,"date":"2022-05-22T16:04:10","date_gmt":"2022-05-22T16:04:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=77888"},"modified":"2024-04-14T23:54:57","modified_gmt":"2024-04-14T23:54:57","slug":"how-to-let-your-guard-down","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/how-to-let-your-guard-down\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Ways to Let Your Guard Down in a Relationship & Why You Should"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"Young<\/p>\n

Even though vulnerability makes us look weak and exposed, it is crucial to know how to let your guard down in a relationship. So, what does it mean to let your guard down, and how do you let your guard down when dating? Keep reading to find out more.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>What does it mean to let your guard down in a relationship<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

To understand how to let your guard down in a relationship, you must know what the term ‘guard’ means. To guard is to protect and watch over something keenly. When you let your guard down, you become unprotected and exposed. <\/span><\/p>\n

It looks like you are in a precarious situation, and any harm could come to you. That’s why letting your guard down seems scary to many people. When you let your guard down in a relationship, you open up and show your vulnerable side to your partner.<\/span><\/p>\n

All your fears, secrets, guilt, deepest desires, strengths, and weaknesses become known to your potential partner. And that is <\/span>why vulnerability is challenging for many people<\/span><\/a>. It means you are ready to trust your love interest wholeheartedly without hesitation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Being vulnerable makes you look weak and exposed, but it takes some strength to open up and trust another human. <\/span><\/p>\n

When you let your guard down, you say you hand over your life to the person, and they can do with it as they wish. It looks like a huge burden, but you can’t find love without trusting your partner or letting your guard down. <\/span><\/p>\n

Not letting down your guard means you build a massive wall around yourself, thinking it will protect you from others. But in reality, this prevents others from seeing the real you. It becomes challenging to date others, and if you do, it can lead to a greater<\/span> relationship issue<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

To find true love, you must know how to let your guard down when dating. You must allow someone to know you for who you are. While it’s essential to feel safe around someone, not trusting them can jeopardize your chances of <\/span>happiness in a relationship<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Knowing how to let your guard down and be yourself can save you from many relationship issues. Learn more in the following paragraphs as they reveal how to be less guarded.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>How does one let their guard down?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Young<\/p>\n

People who have trouble opening up often ask, “I want to know how to let my guard down. What can I do?” Or “He wants me to let my guard down?”<\/span><\/p>\n

If you have made it challenging for people to know you due to shame, fear, or guilt, don’t expect them to get along with you quickly. Eventually, what you are protecting will be revealed to your partner. <\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, you must be careful when you let your guard down. You don’t necessarily have to disclose important aspects of your life on the <\/span>first date<\/span><\/a>. It also means you don’t need to lie. All you need is some tactics below to guide you to be vulnerable and show you how to let your guard down in a relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Be yourself<\/b><\/h3>\n

The trick to letting your guard down is to be real. Don’t present yourself as someone else to make your potential partner like you. They may eventually like you or not, but you are safer being unique and not the image you create in your head. <\/span><\/p>\n

You can impress by dressing up, making up, and speaking well. However, taking on a new personality entirely is dangerous and may haunt you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Related Reading:<\/i><\/b> 10 Ways on How to Put Yourself First in a Relationship and Why<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n
2. Trust your instinct<\/b><\/h3>\n
If you seek answers on how to let your guard down, you must trust your instinct. While this seems contradictory, going less guarded may save you from impending trouble. Our instincts work by using actions we see unconsciously to help us decide. <\/span><\/p>\n
If you sense that you can’t trust your potential partner, then don’t. Being vulnerable doesn’t mean you should ignore some <\/span>red flags<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n
3. Be honest<\/b><\/h3>\n
You can’t know how to let your guard down in a relationship without being honest. Also, you can’t <\/span>build a healthy relationship<\/span><\/a> without telling the truth. Always endeavor to convey your true feelings in a relationship without shame.<\/span><\/p>\n
4. Take your time<\/b><\/h3>\n
To know how to let your guard down when dating, you must be patient. Only patience can help you make the best decision with your instinct. Besides, learning how to be less guarded completely takes some time to master.<\/span><\/p>\n
Counselor Grady Shumway<\/a> highlights,<\/p>\n
When working on letting your guard down in any situation, start by recognizing the reasons behind your guardedness. Then, gradually expose yourself to situations where you feel safe enough to be vulnerable, whether it’s with trusted friends or in low-stakes environments. Remember that it’s okay to take small steps and that vulnerability is a key ingredient in forming genuine connections with others.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
<\/span>5 important reasons to let your guard down<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
There are many reasons why you should let your guard down. To start with, it makes you seem lovable. No one likes to be with a partner whom they know little about. When your potential partner knows who you are, your weakness, strengths, and fears, they will learn how to relate with you better.<\/span><\/p>\n
Another reason why you should let your guard down is that it gives you the strength to <\/span>embrace all your insecurities<\/span><\/a> and blemishes. We sometimes build a high wall around ourselves because we believe mistakes, shame, and fear make us bad. On the contrary, embracing them means strength.  <\/span><\/p>\n
The following list shows us 5 valid reasons why you should let your guard down.<\/span><\/p>\n
1. You learn to love yourself<\/b><\/h3>\n
What does it mean to let your guard down? The whole point of learning how to let your guard down when dating is for your benefit. Protecting yourself from others by hiding your fears, weaknesses, and strengths happens because we are ashamed of what others might think of us. <\/span><\/p>\n
We are scared of being criticized and judged, and we forget that everyone has flaws. However, once you let others know who you are, you appreciate yourself more.<\/span><\/p>\n
Related Reading:<\/i><\/b> 5 Steps to Help You With Learning to Love Yourself<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n
2. You find love<\/b><\/h3>\n
Another valid reason to be vulnerable is that you will find love. Everyone deserves someone who loves them deeply and can go back and forth for them. Besides, life is too precious to prevent yourself from being cared for properly.<\/span><\/p>\n
When you don’t disclose your true self, your potential partner will only love you based on their perception, which might not be the way you want.<\/span><\/p>\n
Related Reading:<\/i><\/b> “Will I Ever Find Love?” 20 Things You Need to Remember<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n
3. Everyone can’t hurt you<\/b><\/h3>\n
Another reason to let your guard down is that everyone won’t hurt you. You are well in your right to build a high wall for protection because you’ve been betrayed before. Also, many people look for vulnerable individuals to prey on.<\/span><\/p>\n
However, everyone can’t be the same. You need to give people a chance to love and cherish you before assuming anything.<\/span><\/p>\n
4. You become happier<\/b><\/h3>\n
Being guarded may shield you from getting hurt or being taken advantage of, but it won’t make you happy. True happiness is felt when you embrace your personality and allow people to love you the way you want.<\/span><\/p>\n
Related Reading:<\/i><\/b> 14 Ways to Keep Your Relationship Strong, Healthy, and Happy<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n
5. It’s sometimes better to have a partner<\/b><\/h3>\n
The statement, “<\/span>Two heads are better than one<\/b>,” comes true here. You have a lot to gain when you allow people into your life. Friendship, for instance, will enable you to have someone with whom to share experiences. Similarly, genuine<\/span> intimate relationships<\/span><\/a> help you heal from your painful past experiences.<\/span><\/p>\n
Now that you know why you should let your guard down, the following tips will show you the proper ways of letting down your guard.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span>20 practical ways to let your guard down in a relationship<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Couple<\/p>\n
What are some effective ways to let your guard down in a relationship? Read on to know more.<\/span><\/p>\n
1. Embrace your blemishes<\/b><\/h3>\n
One of the reasons many people build walls around themselves is that they are ashamed of their weaknesses. They don’t want to get hurt, judged, or criticized. One trick to letting your guard down easily is to accept who you are. <\/span><\/p>\n
Know that your past mistakes and present weaknesses mold you to become who you are. Besides, these events and experiences with people have taught you lessons that can be helpful in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n
Related Reading:<\/i><\/b> Embrace Changes in Your Partnership with Your Spouse<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n
2. Communicate freely<\/b><\/h3>\n
Another effective way to let your guard down is to communicate your needs freely with your potential partner. Let them know your expectations in the relationship and how you want to be treated. Don’t be ashamed of your personal needs just for the other person to accept you.<\/span><\/p>\n
You deserve the best things in life. Let them know your values and interests. It will make your date appreciate you for who you are. Besides, being honest about what you want is a way of preventing the past from repeating itself.<\/span><\/p>\n
Related Reading:<\/i><\/b> Open Communication In a Relationship: How to Make it Work<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n
Learn how to communicate your needs regarding sex and intimacy in this short video:<\/span><\/p>\n