For years after combat I had a volatile and unpredictable temper. No one ever knew when I would explode or what would set me off. Nor did I understand it. It was frightening to others and to myself.

No matter how I tried to control it ... it was impossible and always surprising. Things were thrown, broken, hit. Our children were often punished for insignificant actions ... fortunately, I did not hurt anyone.

Somewhere along the way, this volatility was buried. It was a gift from God, because I could do nothing with it. And I have not been openly angry in years (well, one time, and I felt bad about it for days).

But there is a continuing sense of being easily frustrated when things don't go just right -- e.g., when programs take too long to open on the computer, when I cannot find something on the desk or around the house, when fixing something and parts don't work first time. Often, I just quit that task in frustration. Sometimes, I push my way through, but the frustration level rises and kind of ruins the day.

My wife can see this and often steps in with "Here, I'll find it," or some such remark.

Maybe this type reaction is typical or "normal," but it seems like my frustration level is somewhat exaggerated for the small significance of what is involved.

Seems like I might have already mentioned this here in the forum, but it came to mind again today as I looked in the refrigerator for something and after moving from one shelf to another, my wife said again, "Here, I'll get it. Looks like it's getting too involved." Patience personified !

T.