Can my anger rub off on those around me?

Have you ever been around someone who's angry all the time?  It's like walking on eggshells. You calculate and filter everything that you do, just so you don't set the person off. Is that what you want people doing when they're around you?  Do you want your friends or family to avoid hanging out with you because you're angry all the time?  Probably not. Anger can really take a toll on relationships. It's not fun walking around guarded all day because you want to avoid someone else's wrath.

So, what do you do if the person they're avoiding is you?  First, acknowledge that you've got to get your anger in check. Second, start monitoring things that set off or trigger your anger. Third, keep a log of when you get angry, times of day, what you were feeling (tired, hungry, stressed, etc.) and how you behaved. This is a great tool to find your anger patterns; so you can either avoid them or keep them from happening. Fifth, find ways to release your anger, exercise or doing artwork are great outlets!  Last, realize the importance of the people in your life. Your words and actions do have an effect on others, so why not make them positive ones?