Skip to main content

Anger – As Narrated by My Conscience

Hi. If you’ve stopped by to read this article, chances are that you suffer from a temper.

Let me take two minutes of your time to narrate a quick little story.

A couple of my batchmates in college – let’s call them Jai and Anjali – were quite easily the most adorable couple I’d ever known. They met when we were in the first year and quickly became the “it” couple, given their combined good looks and hearts of gold. They were popular, loved, admired and naturally, envied.

There was just one tiny problem. Anjali had a towering, terrifying temper.

For the most part, Anjali was calm, collected, serene. But when anger raised its hood, it was like someone would replace her; in her stead would stand someone we could scarcely recognize.

Eyes blazing, hair crackling, harsh gestures, damaging and devastating words. And actions.

Every few weeks, the relationship bliss they experienced would be corroded by this.

And slowly, over time, the foundation of their relationship began withering. There’s only so much hurt it could take, after all.

Anjali and Jai were perfect for each other in every way imaginable. Their beliefs, their goals, their friendship, their sense of humour, their laughter – all of it served as a balm for anyone in their presence. In short, theirs was a love story that inspired and invoked even awe.

It’s been 10 years since we graduated. I bumped into Jai the other day. He’s married and has three kids. He introduced me to his wife, Ria.

Anjali and Jai broke up one year after college. The reason?

Anger.

Have you noticed how nobody can have a conversation with an angry person? In that moment, their anger is the only valid thing in the world. Nothing and nobody else exists.

I’m not here to tell you how to deal with anger or how to control anger. There are other, far superior places for that like this one.

I’m only here to tell you this story. It was important for me to.

Because you see, Jai and Anjali’s relationship inspired my own. Their love gave me the courage to ask out my own then-crush, now-wife. Watching them together made me yearn.

And today, the love story that brought mine to life has crumbled to dust, disintegrating like it never existed.

Anger is a funny thing; what seems like a momentary outburst has actually been years in the making. It is the single most difficult emotion to control and keep a handle on.

What’s worse? It builds. The stages of anger are distinct, each with its own history and reasoning.

So, if you’re still here and reading, and there’s only one thing you want to remember from this article, it’s this:

Anger is your greatest test of evolution.

Pass it with flying colours and life will give you everything you have ever desired.

Fail and, well… life will teach you. Teach us.

That’s all I want to say.

Evolve, my friend. It’s what we are here for.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

A Self-Important Life

  “Modesty is the colour of virtue.” The essence of this saying by Diogenes, a Greek philosopher, has likely shaped our growing-up years. Indeed, to be modest and humble was the very definition of a talented person. The more intelligent one was the more modest one was expected to be. Like anything though, modesty is best had when served in moderate doses. Swing too far the other way and we’ll hit the first of the building blocks that make up our personality – self-esteem. Why is self-esteem important? Quoting Brene Brown, an American professor and author, “Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we are supposed to be and embracing who we are.” High self-esteem naturally breaks down barriers and allows us to step into vulnerability. And what is vulnerability? Accepting ourselves as we are at any given moment. The more vulnerable we allow ourselves to be, the more authentic we become. And this root of being oneself stems from the value we give ourselves – in...

Can a Narcissist Change?

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is an acute condition that affects people throughout their lives. Narcissism can impact all areas of one’s life, including work, relationships and self-development. Personality disorders such as this one can be challenging to treat. The challenge is more difficult when people do not acknowledge that they have a problem. That being said, with intention, effort and commitment, it is possible for narcissists to change. If you are wondering what does a narcissist want from a relationship , it will help to first understand what narcissistic personality disorder is. NPD is a complex condition characterized by grandiose behaviours, an overinflated ego and little empathy for others. Like all other mental health issues, personality disorders too lie on a spectrum. Therefore, for milder cases, change may come easier.   Narcissists may want to change their behaviour when they are in a new relationship. If they have insight into their own patterns, they...

What is Happiness – and Other Inanities

I know, I know. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of articles out there describing happiness and what it means, how to discover what makes us happy etc. etc. I’m not here to talk about any of that. Let’s play a game instead. Ready? And I want you to really play it, not just read it. Let’s begin. Think of someone you admire or love. This person could be a fictional character from a favourite book or TV show; they could be a celebrity, an entrepreneur perhaps. They must be someone though who is not accessible to you in daily life. You don’t have any chance of meeting them or speaking with them but you really wish that you could. Have you thought of someone? Okay, good! Now, take a few minutes and make two lists – five questions you want to ask this person and five things you want to tell them. And as you jot each down, imagine yourself asking or telling them these things; imagine also their reaction. How would they respond to your questions? What would they say to your sharing? I wan...