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Violating Anger vs. Liberating Anger

© 2002 Michele Toomey, PhD
michele@mtoomey.com

Has a twistIs straight
Manipulates the truthSeeks the relief of honest self-expression
Has a hidden agendaWants to discover the truth
Attacks to hurtExpresses the hurt and anger
Blames and proves "guilt"Confronts
Is a weaponIs a tool
Seeks to discredit the other as a personSeeks to expose
Has no accountabilityDemands accountability
Hides behind innocenceChooses not to hide
Is righteously superiorIs adamant
Assumes another's motivesNever assumes motives
Needs a villainRejects villains
Refuses to claim anythingClaims its part
Seeks to punishDetermines consequences for itself
Uses information to make a case against the otherUses information for clarity/understanding
Fears exposureValues exposure
Leads to abuseLeads to intimacy
Alienates and violatesLiberates

Because anger has such force and potential for violence, it needs to be treated with great discipline and respect. Uncontrolled anger is dangerous and we recognize that even if we don't know how to control it. Unaddressed and unexpressed anger is also dangerous, and we tend not to realize that.


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