Ep 9: Why You’re Sickeningly Nice to People You Secretly Hate! Reaction Formation. Freud Made Me Do It!

You’re not that nice — it’s just Reaction Formation.

In this episode of Freud Made Me Do It, we unpack one of the sneakiest defence mechanisms on the block — Reaction Formation — where your unconscious flips the script and turns forbidden feelings into their chirpy, overcompensating opposite.

Ever gushed over someone you secretly can’t stand?
Ever been super moral about sex while secretly watching porn six times a week?
Ever smiled sweetly while your insides screamed murder?

That’s not virtue. That’s your ego doing damage control.

Today I take you behind the mask of forced niceness and fake moral high ground - showing how this defence shows up in relationships, politics, parenting, and yes… your sex life. Expect brutal clarity, biting humour, and examples so accurate you’ll laugh, cringe, and maybe even confess.

Learn how to spot it, stop it, and stop being so damn 'nice'.

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for entertainment, educational, informational, and reflective purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapeutic relationship with the host or any guests.

If you are in crisis or experiencing mental health distress, please seek immediate support from a qualified healthcare provider, your GP, or local emergency services.

All views expressed are personal, based on clinical experience, psychoanalytic theory, and professional reflection. They do not constitute individual psychological assessment or advice. Any resemblance to real-life clients is coincidental; examples are complete fiction.

Please use discretion and self-responsibility when engaging with content that may evoke strong emotional or psychological responses. By listening, you agree to hold the host harmless from any liability arising from the use or interpretation of content presented.