Episode Highlights:
- Heather describes smugness as having an element of arrogance and "demeaning another person," placing it in the category of contempt, which therapists identify as particularly damaging to relationships
- Michelle offers an alternative perspective, suggesting that smugness can sometimes be an indicator of having endured abuse or being repeatedly dismissed, serving as a red flag that something deeper needs attention
- The hosts agree that smugness functions as an "orange flag" emotion - positioned between a yellow caution and a red warning - signaling that attention is needed before the feeling potentially evolves into more destructive contempt
- Tina points out how quickly we can judge our own emotions, reminding listeners of the importance of approaching all feelings with a non-judgmental attitude first
- The hosts recommend mindfulness techniques for processing smugness, particularly "noticing who or what you're judging," as a way to unpack and understand what's beneath this potentially problematic emotion
This episode of the #FeelingsMatter Podcast was recorded and produced at MSR Studios in Saint Paul, MN.Copyright 2025, all rights reserved. No reproduction, excerpting, or other use without written permission.
This episode is sponsored by
FeelWise - bridging the gap between reflection and resilience, offering practical tools to help people overcome obstacles, embrace change, and grow stronger emotionally. https://www.feel-wise.com/
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