There are numerous, complex reasons why the well is dry—why there’s so little open discussion and engagement around emotion. The research made it clear that a lot of how much or little we value emotion comes from what we were taught or saw as we were growing up. That value usually results from a combination of several of the seven ideas listed below. 1. Being emotional is a sign of vulnerability, and vulnerability is weakness. 2. Don’t ask. Don’t tell. You can feel emotion all you want, but there’s nothing to be gained by sharing it with others. 3. We don’t have access to emotional language or
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