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Triggered Quote by Mara Purnhagen

“My legs felt shaky and I gripped the back of Dad’s chair. The still images on the screen stared back at me. “Do you know what caused it?” I asked. No one said anything. I looked at Mom. “What triggered it?” “You did,” she said gently. “We think you’re the trigger.” quote by Mara Purnhagen
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““My legs felt shaky and I gripped the back of Dad’s chair. The still images on the screen stared back at me. “Do you know what caused it?” I asked. No one said anything. I looked at Mom. “What triggered it?” “You did,” she said gently. “We think you’re the trigger.””

Mara Purnhagen

About This Quote

Source Memoir: "Trigger Points" by Mara Purnhagen, 2021

The child is blamed as the cause of a problem, reflecting family dynamics of projection and guilt.

In simple terms: Family blames the child for issues.

Key Takeaway

Encourage open communication, not blame.

Themes

family guilt projection communication

Mood

empathetic concerned

Type

advisory reflective

When to use this quote

  • family therapy
  • parent‑child conflict
  • school incidents
  • health anxieties

Key Concepts

psychological projection parental expectations emotional burden

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can families address issues without scapegoating?
  • What steps foster healthier dialogue?
A Different Perspective

Blaming can harm trust and self‑esteem.

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