What Is Your Achilles Heel?
The derivation of the expression “Achilles heel”1 dates back to an
ancient legend. The story goes that Achilles’ mother, Thetis, dipped
him into the river Styx to make him invulnerable. One of his heels
was not covered by the water, though, and he was later killed by an
arrow wound to the heel that was exposed. The expression “Achilles
heel” is still used today as a metaphor for vulnerability and may be
compared—to some extent—to Hot Buttons, discussed earlier in this
chapter.
Our vulnerabilities often become exposed when we are in conflict.
Or, they may lead to the initial discord. For example, if another person
knows our area of vulnerability and wants to hurt us, she or he may
purposely say or do something to wound our Achilles heel. Sometimes,
of course, there is no intent, but our Achilles heel may be struck
inadvertently, too. In any case, taking time to reflect on what is happening
in the interrelational dynamic, and why, helps in the effort to
build conflict intelligence.
Here is a series of questions to help you consider your Achilles
heel and the area of vulnerability that results in conflict for you. The
questions are designed also to help you gain a better understanding
about the exposure you experience at these times, and what positive
things your sensitive spots may represent. (If you have more than one
area you consider your Achilles heel, it is suggested that you answer
the questions by considering one area at a time.)
