Hey there,

I've been out of a job since last April due to Irritable Bowel Syndrome and social phobia. I'd like to start looking for a new job, but fear is holding me back from returning to the world of socialising! I feel I've identified this fear as being afraid that other people will be angry in the same way my parents were.

I've always been scared to death of conflict. I feel it's because my parents' anger was uncontrollable and destructive - writing this now, I'm getting an image in my mind of shielding my head with my arms and running for cover..

I know intellectually that not everyone is going to be angry in the same way - that some people - most, even - will be angry in a 'normal' way, a way that won't hurt me - but I guess I need reassurances.. Perhaps by you sharing some experiences where someone around you was angry and their anger didn't hurt you in any way.. I'm not sure if this is the way for me to get over this, but I guess it's worth a try.

As always, your help is much appreciated