If you’ve ever made it past the honeymoon phase of an intimate relationship, you’ve probably experienced anger towards your partner and a fight or two. Even people in healthy, loving relationships can get so angry that they consider breaking up. Once we calm down, it can feel tempting to stuff the feelings and hope they don’t show up again.
If you’ve been keeping up with the news recently, you’re probably finding very good reasons to be angry. Between the abortion bans in Texas, rampant violence against women, and the mass deportation of Haitian refugees at the Texas border, it can feel like the world is in a constant state of upheaval.
Coronavirus. Protests against police brutality and racism. A country divided politically during an election year. How are you doing?
Are you feeling uncomfortable? The death of George Floyd and the resulting protests, riots, and looting, and calls to action have led to a lot of strong emotions. These feelings range from anger and rage to sadness, fear, and confusion to hope and can feel uncomfortable.
The past two weeks have been weird. Here in Philadelphia, we have been ordered to stay at home, except for essential personal activities. Schools are closed, many people are working from home, and it’s difficult to find a roll of toilet paper at the store.
Is anger putting your relationship or job at risk? Is it difficult to stay calm when others don’t do what you want them to do? Would like to have better control over your emotions?