
Sandy asks…
What is the healthier way to handle anger?
Please help me especially with #2, and give advice on #3 your better way in handling angers.
1. Pretend to be nice and nothing happen. Never release my anger and let the anger sink deep down to my heart?
2. Immediately confront the person that you angry at (this is the one I fear the most, as I seldom try this, as what I feared the most is that I might became over reacts).
3. Your way that you found to be the best way handling your anger.
Many thanks in advance.

Sally Smith answers:
None of the above. Anger is a normal, healthy animal response to feeling threatened, injured, or hurt. Anger and frustration feel the same, but have different roots and merit different responses. Note the difference between *feeling* angry and *expressing* anger.You can control the second, but not the first. So…
4. Learn how to tell anger from frustration. When you feel anger, breathe well, and calmly ask yourself “Am I feeling hurt, or threatened?” Then ask: “What do I need to do – (a) vent about my hurt, or (b) protect myself from the threat (e.g. by calmly asserting boundaries and consequences)?

Donald asks…
What are your thoughts on anger serving as a reminder to act with compassion?
It takes self awareness of course, but do you think anger can act as a reminder to not surrender yourself to your emotions and let them completely dictate your actions?
I mean how often have you acted in anger and ended up regretting it later?

Sally Smith answers:
Anger is a healthy emotion when challenged, channeled and used to build character. Thomas Edison discovered electricity because he got angry with the gas company. I bet they regretted stirring him up.
We must remember when we are angry we are at our weakest. We need to channel that emotion instead of releasing it in a negative and ultimately self damaging way.

Robert asks…
How can I deal with my anger in a healthy way?
Me and my mom fight a lot and when she yells I really want to yell back at her but I know that’s not a good way to get out my anger. It’s really hard not to though. I’ve tried punching pillows, doing jumping jacks, distracting myself with music but I need a way to deal with a anger besides crying and yelling.

Sally Smith answers:
You should talk it out with someone! Keeping your emotions in is unhealthy, and can make it harder to deal with. Just try taking a walk to clear your mind, and start writing about what’s going on in your mind. For me, writing helps me feel better, like I can just let out my feelings, and no one will know. But talking to someone will be beneficial to you. For example..try a friend, teacher, or school counsellor. If you really trust them, it will only be between you and them! Also, try calmy approaching your Mom when she doesn’t seem angry, and try to understand why she gets mad at you constantly. But give her some space. If she doesn’t feel like talking, back away, and try another time. Just try to work it out with your Mom too! Good luck!

John asks…
How do you deal with the anger that comes from dealing with homosexuality?
I absorb and release alot of anger from dealing with homosexuality. My friendships are plummeting downhill and I don’t know what to do. Yes, my friends know I’m gay, but that doesn’t help me. What can I do to stop this anger so i can focus on becoming straight?

Sally Smith answers:
Am I getting this right.? You are saying that you are gay but you want to focus on becoming straight? I need to break something to you. You can’t “focus” on becoming straight. If you are gay…you’re gay. There is nothing wrong with that. I know that our society is still a long way from accepting people the way that they are but you are the last one who should get mad or angry about being the way God made you. Try not to be hard on yourself and please don’t let our current society sway your view about living a peaceful life and accepting who you are. Smile and stop wasting all of that “angry” energy for nothing. Have a wonderful next moment. By the way…if your friends accept you, then you have some really wonderful friends. If they don’t…let them hit the highway.



















