It is not weak to express fears, it is not weak to be vulnerable. What is needed is not a man who lacks emotions, but a man who does not expect someone else to manage his emotions.
It is a LOT easier ostrich up and say "hush up, everything will be fine, nothing to be afraid of, blah blah blah..." than to be honest with yourself and your partner and to man up and own the fear. Courage and bravery both have to do with strength in spite of fear. If there is no emotional risk in attempting this reconciliation, it is hard to see why it would be worth the bother. No need to deny the fear, take away its teeth by acknowledging and do what you want to do in spite of it.
