LEANING ON WALLS BUT NOT ON PEOPLE: THE DANCE BETWEEN PHYSICAL COMFORT AND EMOTIONAL VULNERABILITY

 

In busy streets, crowded gatherings, or quiet corners, we often see people leaning against walls. They are resting their tired bodies and finding a moment of physical support. Yet, many of these same people hesitate to lean on others for emotional comfort. This contrast between seeking physical support and resisting emotional vulnerability reveals a deep story about how we connect and protect ourselves.

Leaning on a wall is easy. It requires no words or explanations. The wall does not judge, argue, or demand. It provides a steady, unchanging presence. In contrast, leaning on people—sharing our fears, asking for help, and showing our insecurities—takes courage and trust. It makes us vulnerable, opening us to potential rejection or misunderstanding.

In Nepali society, where emotional restraint often blends with social expectations, this dynamic is especially clear. Cultural norms promote resilience, patience, and keeping personal struggles private to avoid burdening others or disrupting social harmony. As a result, many learn early to rely on themselves or inanimate objects instead of seeking comfort in relationships.

However, this reluctance to lean on others comes at a cost. Emotional isolation can lead to loneliness, even in a crowd. Walls can support us physically, but they cannot heal wounds, offer empathy, or share burdens. True support requires mutual vulnerability—a readiness to be seen fully, with all our flaws and fears.

Recognizing this tension encourages a change. What if leaning on others became as natural as leaning on a wall? What if emotional support was seen not as a weakness, but as an essential part of our shared strength? Overcoming this barrier could transform relationships, deepen empathy, and build communities where comfort is shared—both physical and emotional.

In the end, walls may support our bodies, but it is people who support our hearts. Learning to lean on one another might be the bravest step toward genuine connection.