Quotessence
Home / Quotes / Quote by Terri Apter

Quote by Terri Apter

“a single outburst does not produce a difficult relational environment. It is only when a parent [or anyone] repeatedly and regularly uses anger to close conversations, in the broadest sense of 'conversation,' that a dilemma is framed. When a parent [or partner] uses anger or the threat of anger to dominate the emotional atmosphere, then even potentially good conversations with them lose spontaneity, openness and honesty.”

Quote by Terri Apter

Book:Difficult Mothers: Understanding and Overcoming Their Power
Create image

Work

Difficult Mothers: Understanding and Overcoming Their Power

Browse quotes and source details for this work. more

Author

Terri Apter

Browse famous quotes and profile details for Terri Apter. more

You May Also Like

“My parents are really good people. . .and mostly normal. . . Their rules made practical sense--eat your vegetables, don't ride your bike through cow manure, and don't let your little brother eat his boogers--all of which were good but weren't exactly rules with life-changing consequences if they weren't followed.”

ChildhoodParentsParenthoodParents And ChildrenRulesRules To Live ByBoogersHouse Rules
Book:The Other Side of Beauty: Embracing God's Vision for Love and True Worth
Create image

“... you may seek out a partner who psychologically resembles your mother and found that you have walked right back into a difficult relationship. Perhapse you chose to be close to someone who turns out to be as volatile as your mother and who inflicts discomfort all too familiar to you. Or perhaps gradually, over time, your partner or close friend becomes like your mother; that may be because you unconsciously behave in ways that encourage others to treat you as your mother did.”

MotherAbuseParentsAbusive RelationshipsAbuse Recovery
Book:Difficult Mothers: Understanding and Overcoming Their Power
Create image

“Ahem! Ahem!” As I recalled, Aunt Kathy loved Uncle Dan so much, she went grocery shopping during his funeral and failed to attend his burial as well. Apparently, Ham Hocks, Collard greens, Chitlin, Fatback, and Hog-Head cheesetook higher priority over his Last Rites. Then the reverend proceeded cautiously as he introduced my mom. “Let metell y’all about my Ms. Liza. Sister Kathy kept this one close.” “Ahem! Ahem! Ar-choo! Ahem!” Shockingly, there was a lightening blast that rocked the building once again while dimming the lights for more than 10seconds. The crowd turned restless, took a deep breath, and then allowed Pastor Keith to resume. “I’m gonna tell y’all, they were two kernels on a cob. When you saw Sister Kathy, you saw Sister Liza. “Ahem! Ahem! Ahem!” “The two of them raised those boys from seeds to bean stalks. We helped nourish them right here in Zion Gate Union. Now they’re just ripe for the harvest. I hope some of you ladies can take a hint!” For a brief moment, modest laughter filled the church. Yet, it was needed because Pastor Keith had gone into uncharted waters. No one dared to challenge my mom. Yet, Pastor Keith was speaking glowingly about her. Only a fewwanted to see where the Reverend was going. But most didn’t care to re-open that door. Church members were so afraid of Mom, no one dared to call her by name. All parishioners would go mute and head the other way, or simply hit the exits just to avoid all encounters.”

DeathHopeFearFictionFamilyPrayingDramaSadFear QuotesFamily Feud
Book:My Bully, My Aunt, & Her Final Gift
Create image