Control vs Repression

I was listening to something earlier today claiming some difference between controlling and repressing one's emotions.The problem is, I can't figure out what that difference is. I generally associate emotional repression with long-term denial and demonization and control as simply putting feelings aside for the moment but dealing with them later. Is this correct? I'm not sure.

repression = is a noun, it is a state

control = verb, something controls another

Both are the same. You seem to be dealing with your emotions in a mature way.

I would not say they are the same.

To me, controlling emotions is about being genuinely able to respond to a situation with a more positive, tactful reaction that is not fake, and that is balanced. An example is someone with enough self control to not engage in a fight with a difficult relative, or feel overly negative or positive about it. vs. someone who is quick to anger and engage in a fight with said relative. A controlled emotional reaction is not "pushing aside until later". It is a reaction is balanced, not too strong and overbearing, not too weak and indifferent. It is

Repressing emotions is about stuffing real emotions down and pretending you feel differently than you really do, or acting aloof, disconnected, like nothing happened, etc. because you can not bring yourself to express a feeling, or fake a different one. An example would be a person who disengages from a fight with a difficult relative and acts like they could care less about the triggering comments/actions of the relative, however later when they are alone they get upset, replay the moments, cry, plan how they will be towards that person later, blame themselves, etc. That person doesn't take control of their reactions, perception, and behavior and learn to react more positively in the long term. That is only one example of a type of repression, by the way. But you get the idea.

That being said, there are two things to remember. One, no one is in control of their emotions ALL of the time. Two, There isn't anyone who doesn't repress at least some emotion in a certain situation sometimes, temporarily or otherwise.

I'd actually kinda rather be "unhealthy". More dramatic that way, plus stronger effects on behavior. :/

I agree with Agent Misty.

I think there is a difference. Controlling emotions means taming them to your benefit. Repressing means denying them the moment they hit, and do nothing about them, until they are too big to hide, at which point they will manifest themselves.

I like your take on this...