How to Deal With Someone Who Is Always Angry

Anger is a natural emotion but one that can wreak havoc on others if it is not dealt with in an effective manner. If you are constantly dealing with an angry person in your life, you can very easily feel overwhelmed. There are several methods you can use to safely communicate with the person, establish ground rules for your interaction and be a positive example for the individual to follow.

Instructions

• 1

  Recognize when the person is starting to exhibit signs of impending anger. Dr. Phil states that angry people commonly show physical signs before blowing up, including stomach pain, sweaty palms or a flushed face. Other signs may be clenched fists or jaws, faster breathing, headaches, difficulty with concentrating and tensing of the shoulders.

• 2

  Talk calmly to the angry person. Reacting in an equally frustrated manner will only exacerbate the situation. Being the calm voice of reason can help to deescalate the situation.

• 3

  Use reflective listening. Listen to what the other person has to say and repeat the information back to him. This technique shows that you are empathetic to what the other person is saying and also shows that you are connecting with his message.

• 4

  Set boundaries. Establish clear boundaries with the angry person and detail what you will not tolerate, such as being yelled or cursed at. Although you don't want to make the person more angry, you also don't want to be disrespected.

• 5

  Change your reaction to the individual's anger. If she is frequently angry with you, take ownership of your actions and your responsibility in the problem. Avoid triggers that cause the other person to get angry. For example, if you criticize the person and she gets angry, stop criticizing her.

• 6

  Teach the person anger management techniques when he is calm. These techniques include meditation, taking slow and deep breaths, exercising, listening to music, visualizing a positive scenario, getting a neck and scalp massage and counting slowly to 10. These techniques can help the person concentrate on a positive experience, rather than focusing negatively on the current situation.

• 7

  Recommend that the person seek therapy when she is calm. Dr. William DeFoore, author and founder of the online site Anger Management Resource, states that many angry people have abandonment, neglect or abuse issues as part of their childhood or background. Until these issues are dealt with effectively with the help of a professional, the person may continue to have angry outbursts.

• 8

  Leave. Whether you must leave the room, the other person's house or the relationship, sometimes it's best for you to leave. This may be a temporary way to demonstrate that you do not want to be around the angry person, or it may be a life-changing move from the relationship that is necessary if you feel that you are in danger or the person has not responded to methods to correct his behavior. Alternatively, let the other person leave if he wants to, rather than blocking his way out.