--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I don't like fighting,' he said. 'It…" description: "\"“I don't like fighting,' he said. 'It makes me hurt inside. Like I'm a kid again. In the cupboard, in the dark. If the grown-ups are fighting, it must ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/623/val-mcdermid-13650_good-thing_i-don-t-like-fighting-he-said-it-makes-m_3058903.jpg" --- # I don't like fighting,' he said. 'It makes me hurt inside… ![“I don't like fighting,' he said. 'It makes me hurt inside. Like I'm a kid again. In the cupboard, in the dark. If the grown-ups are fighting, it must be my fault. That's why I don't do rows.' He blinked hard, to keep the tears at bay. She was the only person in the world who could make him feel so…” quote by Val McDermid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/623/val-mcdermid-13650_good-thing_i-don-t-like-fighting-he-said-it-makes-m_3058903.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/623/val-mcdermid-13650_good-thing_i-don-t-like-fighting-he-said-it-makes-m_3058903.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/623/val-mcdermid-13650_good-thing_i-don-t-like-fighting-he-said-it-makes-m_3058903.jpg) > ““I don't like fighting,' he said. 'It makes me hurt inside. Like I'm a kid again. In the cupboard, in the dark. If the grown-ups are fighting, it must be my fault. That's why I don't do rows.' He blinked hard, to keep the tears at bay. She was the only person in the world who could make him feel so exposed. It din't always feel like a good thing. 'Carol, I'm going home tomorrow. I can't manage without you. Not in any sense. So can we stop this no? I can't do it.”” [Val McDermid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/val-mcdermid/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A child feels guilt and fear when adults fight, seeking safety and reassurance from a trusted person. **In simple terms:** Children fear conflict and seek safety. Key Takeaway Provide reassurance and model healthy conflict resolution. Themes family guilt fear trust Mood empathetic concerned Type narrative dialogue When to use this quote - parenting guidance - therapy sessions - conflict mediation - support groups Key Concepts psychology attachment communication emotional safety Questions to Reflect On - How can you help a child feel safe during conflict? - What steps can you take to resolve adult disagreements peacefully? 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That's why I don't do rows.' He blinked hard, to keep the tears at bay. She was the only person in the world who could make him feel so exposed. It din't always feel like a good thing. 'Carol, I'm going home tomorrow. I can't manage without you. Not in any sense. So can we stop this no? 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