I didn’t use to secretly name drop or talk negatively before my struggle with anxiety, but I find myself doing it frequently every time I’m upset with someone. Although I very rarely resort to name calling and the such to people in their faces, I sometimes use strong words or names under my breath or venting to a third party.

This came to a head last week when I was triggered by my father’s bad temper, which I have tried to set boundaries against when he is around me. I didn’t say anything to my dad’s face, but after a strong conviction thanks to my much more even tempered mother, when I had a few choice words for him, I thought that I would seek help for this undesirable trait.

Both my parents are wonderful people despite their flaws, but I sure don’t want to be like my dad. He may be to blame for this bad habit, as he had often engaged in this same tendency of talking behind others backs when flustered before retiring from his job.

Can anybody help me here so I don’t remain in place?