A short temper has been the hardest thing I have had to deal with. Anger builds inside of you, regardless of whether or not you understand why. I've heard of many who easily find themselves sad and suffering from a sinking feeling, but anger is like the opposite. It's a rising feeling and it keeps rising, out of control. It's like breaking a ceiling and continuing to shoot upwards until someone or something else can knock you down. It physically burns inside you and there is nothing you can really do about it but wait.
It is hard to see it from an outsider's perspective. It is hard to understand how someone could be so volatile for reasons unknown. It is an internal battle, but he or she needs you to be with them through it.
It is scary, I will not deny that. It can be very scary and this person probably is not even aware of it because he or she is battling themselves right now. It is something they are working on. No one wants someone they love to fear them.
This person has probably been dealing with this their whole life. Some days are better than others. Some days it will feel like nothing is right and the anger will build inside, only to be taken out on the wrong person. They are sorry and they are working on it, and they have been doing so well for so long.
As I have gotten older, it has become a lot easier to control anger when it starts to build, but in times of high stress, I can feel it that control wither away. Sometimes, life hits you all at once and you resort to what is natural for you. Anger is a reaction. It is a reaction someone has grown comfortable with. It is like crying. It is part of this person, but it doesn't make them a bad person. It doesn't make them at all. It is just one piece that they have been trying to tuck away. This person is trying to put this part of them away so it can not come out again, but it is easier said than done. This person needs support. It is never easy to try and pull someone out of a rut. It isn't supposed to be. But when you can, it will be worth it. You love this person for a reason and they are eternally grateful for the effort you are putting forth.
Patience. Patience goes a long way. It's hard, but I promise the person you love is trying. Do not underestimate how they are feeling. Living with a short temper is like living with any other emotional instability. If you can be patient with those who are feeling blue, you can also be patient with those who are angry.
Love yourself. Do what is best for you. Ensure your own happiness. It is important to put yourself first, but do not give up on someone for just a short temper.
