Anger is a normal emotion that we all feel sometimes, but it is not normal to feel angry all or most of the time. How do you know your anger is starting to get the best of you?
Passive-Aggressive
You come home from a long day at work and see your dining room table piled up with your roommate’s mail. It’s been sitting there for days, and it’s been driving you crazy, but you haven’t said anything to her. Instead of politely asking her to clean off the table, you pick up the packages and set them on her bed.
Easily annoyed
You’re usually pretty easy-going, but now you find yourself getting frustrated over the most minor things. Something like spilling your drink or the grocery store not having your favorite bread can send you over the edge.
Physical symptoms
Do you feel the urge to yell or hit something, but catch yourself clenching your fist or jaw to resist doing that? This is not only a sign of a deeper anger issue, but it may also lead to physical pain like headaches.
Sarcasm
If someone brings up a touchy subject – maybe you just ended a relationship and they mention your ex – how do you respond? Do you change the subject, or are you ultra sarcastic? Some people have a dry sense of humor, but sarcasm can mask resentment, and others can usually pick up on it.
Can’t take a joke
When someone makes a joke about you, do you get defensive? If what they’re saying is truly offensive, you should call them out on it, but if they’re genuinely trying to have fun, ask yourself why you are so touchy, and is your anger really appropriate?
People say you have a problem
If your close friends and family are telling you that you have an anger problem, listen. It’s probably not something they would say lightly, and they are doing so to help. If you get mad at them for saying you’re too angry, you have your answer.
