Chapter 1 Understanding Short Temperament

I used to struggle significantly with my temper, often pondering whether it was an inherent trait. Interestingly, my friends tend to view me as quite laid-back. The expressions on their faces when I do lose my cool are truly priceless! This often leads to a flurry of jokes, some amusing, while others are, in my opinion, rather inappropriate. In this article, I will share my reflections on managing a short temper and the strategies that have aided me in this journey.

Here are a few triggers that frequently provoke my anger (feel free to share if any resonate with you):

• Situations that lack logic.
• Interactions with individuals who appear oblivious or irrational.
• Instances of double standards.
• Poor timing.
• Constantly feeling overwhelmed.
• When someone says, "You should know that," while I'm completely in the dark.
• When my viewpoint is disregarded.

While there are certainly more triggers, these are the ones that come to mind right now. The issue is that the more I tolerate these provocations, the less patience I have for them as time goes on. Instead of simply enduring the annoyance, I find myself getting increasingly frustrated when one of these triggers is present.

You might be curious why I claim to have learned to manage my anger if I still experience it. The truth is, while I do feel anger when faced with these situations, the crucial part is that I no longer act impulsively. In my view, that’s the heart of effective anger management. Let me share some of the techniques I employ to keep my anger in check when I feel it bubbling up:

Thanks to Jason Hafso from Unsplash

1. Recognizing It May Not Be Their Fault: We’ve all experienced the brunt of someone else's anger at some point, whether at work, with friends, or even within our families. I've had numerous occasions where I've been on the receiving end of someone's outburst without any clear reason other than being in close proximity. After such experiences, I vowed to myself not to react in the same manner, and this pledge has been incredibly beneficial in avoiding unnecessary conflicts.

Thanks to Jason Hafso from Unsplash

2. Understanding My Worth: This isn’t about feeling superior to others, but rather recognizing that some individuals intentionally provoke reactions just to see how I will respond. They thrive on the chaos, and I refuse to give them that satisfaction.

Thanks to Patrick Tomasso from Unsplash

3. Considering the Context: Even though I still occasionally feel anger and the desire to lash out, I always take my surroundings into account. Acting on my anger in a significant setting could yield serious repercussions. For example, as a university student living with a roommate who can be quite bothersome, I know that reacting to his antics could jeopardize my academic goals.

Thanks to Deniz Altindas from Unsplash

4. Fear of Losing Control: I've noticed that people who frequently succumb to anger tend to lose their grip on reality more often. While I'm uncertain if it’s a coincidence, I've witnessed individuals transform from calm to out-of-control over minor triggers. This can lead to self-harm or harm to others. Observing this tendency has instilled a fear in me that I could end up on a similar path if I don't actively work on my anger management. Additionally, I’m concerned about developing health issues, particularly given that some family members have faced such challenges. I genuinely wish them well and hope for their recovery.

In conclusion, feeling anger is a normal human emotion that can affect anyone, regardless of their temperament. The crucial part is to ensure it doesn’t dictate our actions. My best piece of advice is to remember that in a moment of rage, you could lose something invaluable that you can never reclaim. I've witnessed this too many times. So, keep your composure, stay calm, and I wish you all the best.

Feel free to share your own strategies for managing anger, and always prioritize your health and safety.

The first video, "How To Handle A Bad Temper | 9 Tips To Control your Anger," provides practical advice on managing feelings of anger effectively.

The second video, "5 Keys to Controlling Anger," delves into essential strategies that can help you maintain control over your emotions.

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