Feelings Quote by Augusten Burroughs
““I felt absolutely nothing. It was like a door quickly opened, showing me what horrible feelings I had inside, and then slammed shut again so I wouldn't have to actually face them.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Running with Scissors, Augusten Burroughs, 2002
The narrator describes a fleeting, intense emotional numbness that briefly reveals deep inner pain before being shut away, avoiding true confrontation.
In simple terms: Brief numbness reveals hidden pain, then is blocked.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge feelings instead of shutting them out.
Themes
emotional awareness
avoidance
self‑protection
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
personal
psychological
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- therapy sessions
- creative writing
- self‑reflection
Key Concepts
psychology
trauma
defense mechanisms
Questions to Reflect On
- What emotions do you hide behind numbness?
- How can you safely confront painful feelings?
A Different Perspective
The insight may be fleeting and not lead to lasting change without effort.
