Have you ever noticed how one strong feeling can sometimes be a mask for something much deeper and more vulnerable? It’s a fascinating aspect of the human psyche, and one creator on TikTok is sparking a massive conversation about it. In a video that has now been seen over 6.6 million times, Kittie Rose shares a powerful personal breakthrough, exploring the emotion of disgust as a defense mechanism used to hide from other, more tender feelings.
Disgust as a Clever Disguise
In the viral clip, Kittie Rose appears to be in a therapy or deep reflection session, exploring the layers of their emotional responses. The video opens with a powerful idea about how we learn to protect ourselves. It suggests that some of our go-to reactions aren’t the real story, but rather a cover for what’s truly happening inside.
“I know you’ve learned to use disgust as a clever way to help you hide what’s behind it. But let’s get to the root.”
This perspective invites us to consider which of our own emotions might be serving as a shield. Often, feelings like anger, irritation, or disgust can feel safer or more powerful than the vulnerability of sadness, fear, or shame that might be lurking beneath the surface. According to the experience shared by Kittie Rose, this defense can be an unconscious habit we develop over time.
Tracing The Feeling Back to its Source
So, where do these complex emotional strategies come from? The video shared by Kittie Rose points toward childhood experiences as a formative place for these patterns. In a moment of profound realization, the creator connects this feeling of disgust directly to early interactions with their mother.
“Every time I would bring my emotion to my mom, she would look at me like she was disgusted with me, bingo. Right there.”
This “bingo” moment highlights how a parent’s reaction can be internalized. If a child’s emotions are met with disapproval or disgust, they may learn that their feelings are wrong or unsafe. Consequently, they might adopt that same feeling of disgust as a way to manage their own emotions later in life. It becomes a learned response, an echo of the past playing out in the present.
Watch the original video by @kittiejrose below:
Healing Through Validation and Understanding The Emotion of Disgust as a Defense Mechanism
The journey shared in the video doesn’t end with identifying the problem; it moves into the beautiful, tender space of healing. By understanding the root of this emotional pattern, the creator is able to offer compassion to their younger self. This process of recognition is a powerful step toward integration and release.
“Finally, the little girl who was invalidated and felt unsafe, made to feel like something was wrong with her. Finally, she’s seen, and she’s here.”
This heartfelt statement captures the essence of inner child work. It’s about giving that younger part of ourselves the validation and safety it never received. By “seeing” that little girl, the creator reclaims their own emotional experience and begins to heal the old wound. It’s a reminder that we all have the power to reparent ourselves with the kindness and acceptance we may have longed for.
Questions for Your Own Reflection
This viral story from the collective offers a profound opportunity for our own self-discovery. As always, we encourage you to sit with this, question everything, and form your own perspective. Here are a few questions you might explore:
- Do you have a “go-to” emotion that tends to surface when you’re feeling stressed or vulnerable?
- Can you think of a time when a surface-level feeling, like annoyance or disgust, might have been masking something deeper, like hurt or fear?
- How were your big emotions met when you were a child? What messages did you receive about expressing yourself?
- What would it feel like to “see” your inner child and offer them the validation they needed?
The journey of emotional awareness is unique to each of us. By exploring our own patterns with curiosity and compassion, we open the door to deeper healing and a more authentic way of being. What’s your pulse on this? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
