Because I’ve been dealing with other people’s anger lately, I decided to finish and record my new song, “Other People’s Anger.”
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Throughout my life, other people’s anger has gotten too much of my attention. When I was in the hospital with a heart condition when I was very young, I was at the mercy of doctors and nurses, some of whom showed their anger and impatience. As a result, it’s been difficult for me to feel safe when I’ve encountered angry words, looks, or even tones.
Because of all the work I’ve done in therapy, other people’s anger doesn’t bother me as much these days, although I sometimes need to remind myself that “it’s safer than it feels” when somebody is angry at me.
Interestingly enough, other people’s anger doesn’t bother me in the therapy groups I facilitate. Instead, I see that as an opportunity for people to accept and understand anger better.
Do you see other people’s anger in my images for today?
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What are your thoughts and feelings about other people’s anger?
Thanks to all who help me deal with other people’s anger, including YOU!
I’ve experienced male anger a few times that it makes me nervous, even if it is not directed at me. It seems to suck all the air out of the room. Anything can happen now. Something will get broken. I could get hurt. And I did, a few times, which oddly enough sometimes made me feel as if I were in a bad B movie. A total cliche. Almost embarrassing. Which also helped me get out of that situation, as I didn’t want to be around somebody who thought acting like a bad guy would gain my respect. I guess I was afraid, but not scary movie afraid. I tell funny stories about them now. You probably have a word for that – related to denial? 🙂
I’m glad you got out of that situation, Barbara.
Great topic! After being verbally assaulted by my mentally ill mother when I was growing up, I learned to be terrified of anger. It took some really deep and effective inner healing to not only heal my own anger that could become terrifying, but to be ok with other people’s anger (especially when directed toward me). Today I know that someone else’s anger has little to do with me and everything to do with their unhealed inner world, and I usually don’t take it personally. It’s ok to be angry but not ok to spew it all over those around us. It’s also ok to apologize when we screw up.
Thank you for this great comment. 💙💙💙💙💙
When I was a kid I read a book called Secret Under The Sea that had a character who went on a dive to a very deep part of the ocean. Seeing the life in an area under such intense pressure, where a human body would be crushed, changed him so he no longer got angry with people. It’s stayed with me that one way to deal with anger is a change of perspective.
Thanks for sharing your wonderful perspectives, Chris.
I am not a fan of big and loud anger, it always scares me
You’re not alone, beth.
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Other people’s anger scares me, I am not good with anger in general, as a rule!
You are not alone, Carol Anne!