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Maybe it was a Patty Hearst thing. Stockholm syndrome or…

“Maybe it was a Patty Hearst thing. Stockholm syndrome or whatever it's called when you're being held against your will but then you become sucked in and fall in love. Or if not exactly love, you fall into something you can't see out of. 'I can't shoot a machine gun' becomes 'Hey, this hardly has…” quote by Augusten Burroughs
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“Maybe it was a Patty Hearst thing. Stockholm syndrome or whatever it's called when you're being held against your will but then you become sucked in and fall in love. Or if not exactly love, you fall into something you can't see out of. 'I can't shoot a machine gun' becomes 'Hey, this hardly has any kick-back!”

Augusten Burroughs

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Captivity can create paradoxical attachment, where victims develop affection for captors.

In simple terms: Being held can cause strange love for the captor.

Key Takeaway

Recognize unhealthy attachments.

Themes

psychology trauma relationships captivity

Mood

conflicted reflective

Type

psychological narrative

When to use this quote

  • abusive relationships
  • cult dynamics
  • personal recovery

Key Concepts

stockholm syndrome co‑dependency identity crisis

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do victims bond with captors?
  • How to break such bonds?
A Different Perspective

Not all captive situations lead to love; context matters.

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