Psicología al Desnudo — “Me cuesta decir lo que siento”

Host: Psi Marina Mammoliti
Air Date: February 5, 2026

Overview

In this episode, clinical psychologist Marina Mammoliti explores why expressing what we feel is often so difficult. She dives into the concepts of emotional management and vulnerability, debunking myths, exploring societal conditioning, and offering practical tools—much inspired by Brené Brown—to help listeners connect more authentically with themselves and others. The atmosphere is warm, direct, and compassionate, encouraging listeners to reevaluate how they relate to their own emotions.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Why Do We Hide Our Feelings?

• Social Conditioning:
  From a young age, we’re taught to mask our emotions; being “vulnerable” is often viewed as dangerous, embarrassing, or a sign of weakness.
• Superficial Connections:
  Mammoliti references Bauman’s “liquid love” (Bauman, “Amor Líquido”) and the modern phenomenon of ephemeral connections, highlighting the cost of avoiding vulnerability: emotional emptiness and superficial relationships.
  • Quote [03:50]: “Queremos cercanía, queremos amor, queremos intimidad, pero sin pagar el precio de exponernos... Y ese es el gran costo de evitar la vulnerabilidad, el vacío.”

Understanding Vulnerability

• Etymology & Meaning:
  Vulnerability comes from the Latin “vulnerabilis” (possibility of being wounded). It’s universally human.
• Emotional Vulnerability:
  Not just about physical harm; it’s about being open to emotional risk, uncertainty, and potential pain.
• Stigma Around Pain:
  In Western cultures, outward emotional suffering is often discouraged—“todo bien” is the default answer, no matter how we truly feel.

The Revolutionary Perspective of Brené Brown

• Vulnerability = Courage, Not Weakness:
  Citing Brown’s research, Mammoliti stresses that real vulnerability takes bravery.
  • Quote [10:10]: “Ser vulnerable no es ser débil. De hecho, es ser valiente.”
• Emotional Exposure is a Condition of Existence:
  Everyone is emotionally vulnerable; the only choice is how we engage with it.

Debunking Common Myths About Vulnerability

1. Vulnerability = Weakness

• Reality:
  Acts such as asking for help, admitting mistakes, or showing emotions require immense courage.
  • Quote [13:25]: “No le tenemos miedo a la vulnerabilidad. Le tenemos miedo a lo que despierta en nosotros: la incertidumbre, el riesgo, al no tener el control de todo.”

2. Vulnerability Means Being Exposed to Everyone

• Reality:
  It’s a selective process; we share our true selves with those who earn our trust.
  • Quote [16:45]: “La vulnerabilidad es compartir nuestros sentimientos... con las personas que se ganaron el derecho a escucharlas.”

3. Vulnerability = Loss of Control

• Reality:
  Authentic self-revelation returns us to the driver’s seat of our own stories.
  • Quote [20:05]: “La vulnerabilidad no nos saca el control, nos lo devuelve.”

4. Vulnerability Leads to Judgment

• Reality:
  While the risk exists, opening up often leads to genuine connection and shared humanity.
  • Quote [22:10]: “Mostrar lo que sentís puede abrir una puerta donde antes había una pared.”

5. Vulnerability Is Not for Everyone

• Reality:
  Vulnerability is fundamental to the human experience—“vida es vulnerable.”
  • Quote [24:05]: “Sentir no se elige. Lo que se elige es si lo vamos a negar o si lo vamos a habitar.”

Practical Tools for Cultivating Vulnerability (from Brené Brown)

[27:00]

1. Get Comfortable with Discomfort
   • Vulnerability is inherently risky and uncomfortable. Accepting this discomfort is the first step.
     • Example: Saying “Te extraño” even if you’re unsure the feeling is reciprocated.
     • Quote [28:10]: “No hay vulnerabilidad sin incomodidad y punto.”
2. Don’t Hide Behind Perfection
   • Authenticity draws connection, not flawlessness.
     • Reflection: When people share their mistakes or show their cracks, we empathize—not judge.
     • Quote [30:25]: “No necesito ser impecable para ser valioso.”
3. Identify Your Favorite Mask
   • We all conceal our vulnerability differently (e.g., humor, control, indifference).
   • Practice naming your “mask” in moments of emotional stress.
     • Quote [32:40]: “Ese solo gesto de identificarla, de ponerle nombre, de verla, ya es vulnerabilidad.”
4. Create Relationships Based on Authenticity
   • The quality of emotional bonds is a predictor of happiness (Harvard studies).
   • Show up as you are, even if it feels awkward; deep relationships grow from realness.
     • Quote [34:15]: “Lo que más nos protege en la vida no es lo que comemos, sino con quién podemos hablar cuando algo nos duele.”

Notable Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Opening Reflection [00:00]:

  “Nos pasamos la vida protegiéndonos, aprendiendo a medir nuestras palabras, a disimular lo que sentimos... Nos aferramos a la idea de que ser vulnerables es exponernos al peligro. Pero lo que realmente nos hace daño no es mostrarnos, sino escondernos.”

• Societal Pressure [05:50]:

  “La famosísima y trillada respuesta a la pregunta de '¿Cómo estás?' siempre es 'todo bien'... Uff, es como que se rompe la Matrix, se nos desconfigura la psiquis.”

• On Connection [22:30]:

  “Mostrar lo que sentís puede abrir una puerta donde antes había una pared.”

• Final Reflection & Call to Action [38:05]:

  “La próxima vez que tengas miedo de decir lo que sentís, pensá en: El riesgo de ser visto es grande, pero el riesgo de vivir ocultándote es mil veces mayor. Elegí ser real, ser auténtico, ser vulnerable, porque ahí, justo ahí, es donde empieza lo que realmente importa.”

Important Segment Timestamps

• [00:00] – Introduction to hiding feelings and the illusion of protection
• [05:00] – Cultural conditioning and emotional suppression
• [10:00] – Introduction to Brené Brown’s ideas on vulnerability
• [13:00] – Myths about vulnerability explored in detail
• [27:00] – Practical steps for embracing vulnerability
• [34:00] – The science of connected relationships
• [38:00] – Final reflection and encouragement to risk authenticity

Episode Tone and Style

Mammoliti’s approach is warm, honest, and at times gently provocative. She blends academic references, personal reflection, and actionable advice, always speaking to the listener in a direct, familiar (“vos”) tone—inviting self-exploration over self-criticism.

Summary Conclusion

“Me cuesta decir lo que siento” is a thought-provoking exploration of why we struggle to express authenticity and how embracing vulnerability is the key to deeper, more meaningful lives. Mammoliti demystifies common fears, normalizes discomfort, and offers both philosophical and concrete tools to make authentic connection more accessible—for everyone willing to risk truly being seen.