Explosions into Anger
DEALING WITH
EXPLOSIONS INTO ANGER
Anger follows instinctive patterns hard wired into our brains before reason existed.
If you get reptilian by fighting back or running away, attacks will be
more intense and more frequent.
Stay in control by moving up the phylogenetic scale.
The I blow up and it’s all over explosion
Don’t fall for this one, but don’t argue about it either.
Denial is more persuasive than you could ever hope to be.Forewarned is forearmed;
discretion is the better part of valor.
The Minefield explosion
The most common form of anger is not a single blast,
but a series of irregular outbursts to frighten you off territory
the angry person has claimed.
Map out the minefield.
Pick your battles, and fight one at a time.
Focus on what you want the angry person to do,
not what you want them to not to do.
Ask questions; don’t make statements
Don’t get caught on aggressive hooks
Never, ever, discuss inflammatory issues in the car or in bed!
The Anger from on high explosion
Anger from above you in the dominance hierarchy is more like a trial than a contract
negotiation. Often, most of the angry person’s energy is directed toward
reading the indictment.
DO NOT defend yourself; if you win, you will lose
Plead guilty immediately and ask for the penalty.
Never submit to cross examination.
The Get a load of that moron explosion
If you’re close to an angry person, you will often hear the strains of
internal indignance playing through the external speakers.
Never encourage or agree
Answer bad with good
Use distraction, like with a two-year old
