I've picked up Models by Mark Manson. Found it to be quite an interesting read which in many ways enhanced things I've already known after reading TRP for some years. However, I found some inconsistencies between the book and other basic sidebar material.

In the book the concept of vulnerability is explained. Mark mentions that for those who do not live their 'true' self, those who are looking for validation from others, including women, it is vitally important to open up and accept yourself, to show vulnerability and move on from the past. He mentions that it doesn't happen overnight and one needs to open up bit by bit before his individuality is fully exposed. This allows a man to accept himself which in turn improves relationships with other people as they see you as a real vulnerable yet learning person and not a fake.

As someone who lived (and in many ways still lives) a life of seeking validation from others, this resonated. I get what he's saying. However, in those years with RP I've learned from both reading and personal experience that opening up, especially to women, can backfire massively. This happened with my LTR from a few years ago, I opened up about my past failures with women and this changed everything. Since then, I've been very careful with not exposing such things. I've also seen quite a few comments here suggesting to never open up to a woman.

I can't put this together at the moment. I feel that was he's saying is that one must risk losing a relationship with a woman, or many women, until his true self is exposed and he accepts himself. Does the end result depend on HOW a man exposes himself, as in 'I've had hurtful previous experiences but it made me stronger' against 'I've had hurtful previous experiences so please be gentle with me'? Of course, in the former case a man allegedly gains respect while with latter he asks for pity and thus loses respect. Or, is not opening up reserved for those who have already accepted themselves fully?