Aggression or Suppression - Do We Have A Choice?

Uh oh, someone or something has pushed your button. Should you be passive aggressive and hold it in, or should you let it out. Unfortunately, this scenario occurs more frequently for some people, some handle it better than others. Regardless of that fact, the question is… should you suppress your anger, or be aggressive?

People who are aggressive tend to openly express their feelings, regardless of the consequences. They do not hold their feelings back at all. Sometimes that aggressiveness can intimidate other people around them. When this occurs, some kind of anger management would be a good idea.

Anger management helps a person recognize when they are angry. It is much easier to deal with anger when you know, and acknowledge, that you are angry. Once you are aware of being upset, the hard part is deciding what to do next. Despite how angry you may feel, there is always a choice in how you respond to it. You can choose to suppress, express, or control yourself.

Unfortunately most people who have issues with anger, completely bypass that step and react abusively. Anger management helps you to realize that expressing your emotions by talking it out, and suppressing violent feelings, is more beneficial. It can be a hard process for some, but once a person takes control of their emotions, it will make it easier to keep from throwing something or punching someone in the mouth - no matter how tempting it can be.

People who struggle with being aggressive tend to wear their emotions on their sleeves, so to speak! which many times results in defensiveness, and anything setting them off. Ironically, it is that factor that makes an aggressive person more likely to learn how to control their anger over a passive aggressive person.

Since, aggressive people are seemingly more predictable and are more abrupt in their reactions, they can look back and identify what sets them off, a little easier. A passive aggressive person, on the other hand, will have a harder time figuring out the source of their anger, because they tend to hold things in - which, in most cases, results in resentment. The initial cause of the resentment, is then not easily resolved because it is either buried or expressed in unhealthy ways.

By knowing what initiates thoughts of anger, both passive aggressive and aggressive people are more set to make improved decisions in finding a link between assertiveness and aggression.

It is important to point out, that being aggressive should not be confused with being assertive. An aggressive person is more demanding or forceful. An assertive person takes control, but is understanding of others. Understanding is the key term, here.

To start controlling anger by finding the right balance between passive aggressive behavior and aggressive behavior, visit: Anger Management Tips. For simple ways to manage anger without drugs or therapy, visit: http://www.AngerDefense.com

- Quincy Barrett