How To Tell The Differences--Lesson 3

In this Lesson we focus on telling the differences between healthy, appropriate anger from dysfunctional and inappropriate rage.

Anger is a feeling. Rage is a reaction.
Anger is a primary emotion. Rage stuffs or masks emotions.
Anger is neither positive or negative. Rage is always negative and inappropriate.
Anger that is expressed appropriately equals energy. Rage is exhausting to all parties.
Anger is meant to be given away, while rage is meant to be given up.
Appropriate anger doesn’t hurt anyone. Rage hurts everyone involved.
Anger clears the air and rage clouds communication.

Anger rights injustices and wrongs. Rage is an injustice and wrongs people further.
Anger expressed appropriately increases energy, intimacy & peace of mind. Rage decreases energy in people, increases the distance between them and causes discord.

Anger is contained and controlled until proper time, place & person.
Rage is pervasive, out of control and misdirected
Anger is about the present. Rage is about the past.
Anger is about “Me” and rage is about “You”.

Question: After reading the ways in which anger differs from rage would you say you or someone you care about, work with or work for is "angry" or "raging"?

In Lesson 4 of The Anger Solution blog we will look at reasons why most people try to avoid anger whenever possible.


For more information go to johnleebooks.com and read The Anger Solution: The Proven Method for Attaining Calm and Developing Healthy, Long-Lasting Relationships, Facing the Fire: Experiencing and Expressing Anger Appropriately, The Missing Peace--all available on Amazon.com.