I find it infuriating when my therapist says that she welcomes my anger. It is as if I am rendered impotent. Don't welcome it, react to it! Fall into my old patterns and let us play out roles where we shout and hurt each other.

Engaging in conflict is a type of connection. It's hurtful and difficult and draining, but it is a kind of contact. Sometimes I like teasing my cat to make him angry so I can see him interact with me.

Is anger a familiar emotion for you? What were the dominant feelings in your childhood home and were you allowed to express them?