by Marijoyce Porcelli

Created on: May 28, 2009   Last Updated: June 21, 2009

Before I begin, let me clarify that this article is about how to deal with normal feelings of anger that develop over simple daily irritations.

This piece isn't about how to handle uncontrollable rage. If you have that type of fury, if you find yourself miserable, screaming a lot at others all the time, and so on, you may want to think about getting professional help.

This article is more so about how to handle the anger that arises from those simple irritations that can make you furious for a while, that can make you see red and run your blood pressure up for that moment, etc.

The advice here is how to handle a normal level of anger when you have "one of those days." And we all from time to time, "have one of those days."

Like those times when your boss finally gets on your last nerve. Or your in-laws have made just one too many "joking" remarks at your expense.

Or when your wife's advice, the wife you love, sounds more like nagging than constructive criticism. Or when your husband has infuriated you so much with one of his bad habits that, while you love him, you find yourself suddenly wondering if they can send one man to the moon, why the heck can't they just send them all?

Usually, time alone will take care of the frustration felt at such intervals. However there are ways to make yourself feel better right away.

Here are a few suggestions.

When someone infuriates you with some simple irritation, one of the best ways to release the anger and tension is to talk to someone about it. However, you have to be careful who you choose to listen to your venting here.

If you have a loving and supportive spouse who will sympathize and comfort you and see your side, great. There you go, a built-in sounding board (as long as you don't overwhelm this person and as long as you are willing to do the same for him or for her).

However, if you have a spouse who is going to always point out why you are wrong or what you did wrong to cause the situation, this may not be the best person to talk to about your problem, especially when you are already angry.

The same thing goes for putting your trust in a loving family member or a close and trusted friend.

Others don't have to automatically agree with you, but when you're frustrated by some simple irritation, you aren't usually looking for argument or advice.

You are often simply seeking solace, someone to listen while you tell that person what is wrong. Just telling someone your problem, depending again on the individual chosen,

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>