Tips for venting...........

[Shasta]

Which is exactly why I've only thought about it and never carried it out.

I actually did this the other day when my husband was being a d*ck for no reason. I haven't listened to it yet but I will. And some day I will play it for him because I think it's good to hear how you come across. I wouldn't mind if he did to me. Sometimes we all need a wake up call.

[FlakeNoir]

I've videoed a kid or two (my own...!) in full tantrum mode. Made for a great learning tool, once they'd cooled off.

[not_nadine]

Wayy back then, I recorded my mom once. I was about 8. She came into the room and was all mad. (she never got mad) and said," Will you kids just quiet down!!!!!)

I played it right back. She looked startled. Then shook her head and laughed.

This is not a bad idea.

[tenngolfer]

I have on occasion expressed my anger in writing, just to re-edit or never send, but I just don't think I could record myself. Sounds helpful though.

[Ragan]

It's something I think about a lot, the concept of love as Jesus taught it. He tells us to forgive endless times. I find it hard to forgive. He says to love your enemies. I find myself angry and wishing horrible things on those who threaten me or those I care about. He says to pray for your persecutors, and I hate them. It is that angry, unforgiving, vindictive soul that Christ is looking for, not the one already righteous. One of the characteristics I was taught about Peter was that he had an anger problem. He wasn't always cool, he also had a hard time with this whole "love everybody" stuff. When Jesus was arrested, he freaked out, grabbed his sword, and started slashing at the guards. He cut off a guy's ear. And Jesus told him to stop. He said "put down your sword." He warned Peter about consequences of his anger. It's a heavy command to follow, but I've come to realize it's never about instant perfection. It's about becoming that person, not being that person who has no hate or anger. You're still going to be angry. Just being told to love someone doesn't teach you love.

If you're sitting on a computer, open Word or notepad or something, and just write. Write it all out. Every angry thought. Every bit of pain that's stoking the fire. Save it in a private folder or flash drive or something no one will read. You don't ever have to read it again, and you can delete it once you're over it. Somehow, just writing something out has this effect of getting something out of your system. Being able to be that honest with yourself is a good thing. If that doesn't work, find someone you can vent to (this is a good idea even if you try writing it). Just having another person listen is one of the best ways to deal with frustration.

[not_nadine]

I just typed my consern for Dave. Then thought better of what I wrote.