when I was younger I fell for confidence, even a bit of swagger if I'm being honest. now I realize I am attracted to an open mind that is also somewhat self aware, an openness that is not completely lost, that has the courage to be vulnerable and show it. apparently, Jung said we spend one part of our life trying to prove ourselves, and only after do we understand ourselves and our shadow. 

It is strange that courage and vulnerability are two sides of some same thing. Contradictions that are lock and key to each other. Somewhat like how inoculation is the key to contagion, or how acceptance of anxiety is that to an eventual triumph over it. I feel as a species we have been brave to embrace our vulnerability, and thus cracked some of the secrets of nature.