Is it actually possible to be vulnerable?

I’m 25 years old, and I’ve never been in a relationship. For various reasons, relationships just weren’t a priority at certain points in my life. But if I’m being honest, I think my shyness has played a big role in holding me back from pursuing one.

Recently, though, I’ve found myself really craving intimacy. I want to feel close to someone, to trust them enough to share the deepest parts of myself, and to devote myself to a partner. But here’s my concern: is it actually possible to be vulnerable in a relationship without being taken advantage of?

I know vulnerability requires a safe and respectful environment, but I’ve never come close enough to really test this out. But it seems like being open and honest in a relationship sometimes gets taken out of context or used against you.

I want to believe it’s possible to find a relationship where vulnerability is valued and reciprocated, but I also want to protect myself. Also I believe sometimes I might be too intense, and with a couple of nice words I tend to overbear and give my all. I don’t know how much of this is my submissive nature or simply lack of experience.

What are the signs that a relationship is a safe space to display vulnerability? What should I be mindful of to avoid putting myself in a situation where I might be hurt or deceived?