You Know Where I Got This Scar? What Childhood Movies Teach Us About Being Seen

You know that scene in It Takes Two (yes, the Mary-Kate and Ashley movie from the ’90s)? The part where one of the girls points to her scars and asks, “Do you know where I got this one? And this one?”

That line still hits. And it’s not just because of childhood nostalgia.

It’s because so many of us crave that feeling:
To be deeply seen. To be known.
Not just the highlight reels. Not just the social-media-polished pieces of ourselves. But the real stuff—the emotional wounds, the relational trauma, the internal scars we carry around quietly.

What Does It Mean to Be Emotionally Seen?

In my therapy practice, I often hear variations of this same longing:

• “I just want someone to understand me.”

• “If they really knew what I’ve been through…”

• “I feel invisible, even with people I love.”

This is the human condition: we want our stories witnessed. Our pain held with gentleness. Our healing seen and celebrated, not rushed or bypassed.

Whether you're recovering from childhood trauma, processing a relationship rupture, or navigating grief or change, being seen by someone safe is one of the most regulating, healing experiences we can have.

Maybe It Only Takes Two

Not everyone needs to know your story. But the right people do.

The kind of people who:

• Respect your boundaries

• Don’t flinch at your pain

• Gently stay beside you in your mess

• Know where your scars came from and hold them tenderly

• Trust that has been built, and proven over time

And here's the thing: these relationships aren’t always romantic. Sometimes they’re a best friend, a therapist, a sister, or even yourself.
Healing doesn’t require a crowd.

Let’s Talk About Inner Child Work (and Yes, The Lion King)

With all this scar talk, let’s not pretend The Lion King didn’t also enter the chat. (“You must never return to Pride Rock!” Sorry Rafiki, we’re doing inner child healing now.)

That inner child part of us, the one who felt misunderstood, rejected, or unseen wants to be traced with compassion.
Wants to be told, “You are safe. You are worthy. I see you.”

So, Who Are Your Two?

Who holds your emotional world with tenderness?
Who knows where your scars came from?

If you’re still searching, let this be your reminder that you’re not alone. You’re allowed to want more.
You’re allowed to want to be known.

And if nothing else, know that I see you here.