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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.
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