I've read a lot about anger in my life. I did that reading because I had an angry strand that I wanted to deal with. I realized that my anger came from situations where I wasn't respected for positive, personal traits and actions that were true to who I am. The more I buried those traits and actions, the angrier I became. When people are angry, it's usually often something valuable related to who they are or what they need is missing. The best way to rid yourself of anger is to figure out where that anger is coming from, and then to make positive changes so that source of anger no longer exists.
What's the best way to deal with angry people?
Of course, the answer to this question will differ depending on your closeness to the person and what that person needs.
If you meet an angry person on the street, you're probably best to stay clear of that person. Another safe approach to try is to simply smile--amazingly a smile can sometimes quickly change a person's mood.
If the angry person is someone you are close to, there can be many approaches that might work. For some, it's best to give them space and respond if they seek your attention or thoughts. For others, it might be helpful to do something nice for them to help to change their mood. And, perhaps for people who are very close, you may want to help them figure out where that anger is coming from and how to deal with it.
The only people that can best help an angry person is the angry person themself--we usually can't solve another person's big problem such as an angry temperament.
I want to be aware of this when I deal with someone who is angry and when I face angry episodes or experiences myself. Onward.
