The negative expression of anger can become a habit and pattern of behavior. It is easy to become accustomed to reacting to another person or situation. The following is a strategy for dealing with anger in a controlled manner.

1. A person must own the problem. "Blowing up" or yelling is never necessary or justified and it accomplishes nothing.

2. An individual needs to recognize what sorts of things or situations make him or her angry.

3. When one knows in advance that a particular situation has the potential to cause a reaction, planning ahead of time how to respond in a non-destructive way is very helpful.

4. Think of positive alternatives to dealing with your anger, like going for a walk, or doing yard work. Do whatever will work for you to help work off your anger.

5. It is important that people vent their anger by doing something to release it, but not around others.

There are three objectives that I choose to focus on in getting control of anger. One, it is necessary to deal with it so it does not become repressed. Two, it is crucial that the family or fellow employees are not exposed to one's emotional outbursts. Three, attempts should be made to keep relationships intact.  Remember, one negative expression of anger directed at someone can destroy a relationship. This even includes using the wrong tone of voice.

Learning how to express or vent anger constructively can be very helpful for our children It can teach them that it is essential to express themselves and not hold things in, but at the same time they can learn to express anger in a way that will not undermine relationships, and expose other people to their emotional baggage.