[xxxispillcoffeexxx]

Does anyone else get severely angry when someone criticizes you or your behavior? I mean like one little comment and instantly I surge with hatred of that person and dehumanize and demean them. I take all responsibility off of myself and blame others. I was abused emotionally and physically as a kid and I was wondering if this is some sort of suppressed retaliation response? I wasn't able to defend myself back then, now that I'm grown, I'm not going to take **** from anyone. I'm right and the world is wrong. I'm really confused. If anyone can offer some insight please respond.

[Sannah]

This all makes sense to me, what you explained. Does it give you any insight into your behavior? Do you think that next time you can stop before you respond?

[skeksi]

I also get very angry and defensive, although most of the time I think I hide it quite well (I turn my anger on myself).

I try not to speak right away when I get criticized--I nod, or go, "Hmmmm," to buy myself some time to breathe and center myself a little bit. I think recognizing the reaction in ourselves is a big step! The next step is deciding how we want to choose to react--do we want to be the person who is defensive, or the person who listens to others' opinions and also trusts their own judgement?

[pbutton]

Yeah, I get where you're coming from. I get really angry too. Usually I am ok and can reign it in when I'm the one hurt. But the moment I think someone else is hurt, I turn into a raging crankyperson.