Do You Ever "Misread" Trauma into books? (Expect a direction)

[storyworld]

Hey, all,
I'm wondering if this is true for anyone else (want to feel less crazy. haha!). When you read books, particularly fiction, do you ever anticipate trauma, only to find that wasn't the direction the book was heading. For example, if a father in a story is speaking kindly to a child, do you ever find yourself getting anxious, assuming he's about to abuse her, only to find out as you kept reading that he was just being a tender dad?

[Kizzie]

That's interesting StoryWorld. It makes sense that as survivors we would think a kindly father would turn at some point because with ours that's what we experienced and it's what we expect of the world.  I think it's an important point that life and people are not always like we experienced them, to know there are better and healthier ways to live.

[storyworld]

Thanks, Kizzie, and that's a good point. Not every father is harmful. I married a great dad (and husband!) and am super grateful!

[Kizzie]

    That's great to hear!

[asdis]

We do, and it's part of why we're so picky about what we read. We try to avoid books with healthy family dynamics because of how triggering they are to read. It's probably not the best idea to avoid them the way we do, but we haven't been able to find any with stories that feel worth it.

Also, seconding what Kizzie said.