Anger repressed can poison a relationship as surely as the crudest words. —Joyce Brothers—
Anger toward a mate, a co-worker, a friend, or neighbor, builds a strong wall, separating us from everyone if we don’t acknowledge the cause of the anger. Like any secret, denied anger festers and infects relations with friends, acquaintances, even strangers. It dominates our attention and pollutes every emotion. But more importantly, if not checked it controls us, and this all-consuming power then decides our
destiny. Anger doesn’t need to be a major force in our lives. Like any emotion, we can learn from it, but we must let it go if we are to grow. It helps to remember the sweet aftertaste when an angry encounter is resolved. Anger acknowledged and resolved tightens understanding between people, and encourages intimacy. Anger is bittersweet when squarely faced. My anger need not own me today.