How To Explain When Your Past Is Being Triggered In A Current Relationship

When something in your relationship triggers a deep emotional response, it can feel overwhelming—especially if the reaction is tied to past wounds rather than the present situation. Here are a few examples of how to explain this to your partner, but please remember that you can only control how you explain this. They need to be willing to listen and seek understanding as well. You can use these examples and make them your own.

• “I know you’re not trying to ignore me, but when I feel like you’re not listening, it brings up old feelings of being dismissed.”
• "When I feel like I’m not being heard, it reminds me of growing up in a home where my emotions weren’t taken seriously. I’m working on healing that, but sometimes I get triggered.”
• "I know this isn’t about you, and I appreciate you listening. It would help me if, in moments like this, we could pause and talk through it."
• "I want to share this with you because I trust you, and I want to work through it together."