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Handle 'Divorce Anger'

Anger is a normal emotion in the healing process in any divorce, but if it becomes destructive when turned into rage and vindictiveness. Whether you're on the giving or the getting end, it can literally drive you crazy. Here are some tips from Divorce Magazine for coping with divorce and taming the anger.

If you're angry...

  1. Write it out where only you will read it.

  2. Shout it out where only you will hear it.

  3. Talk it out with a friend, therapist or support group.

  4. Take responsibility for your part in the breakup.

  5. Identify what triggers your anger.

  6. Think before you respond.

  7. Keep children out of the conflict.

  8. Hold conflicts at a moderate level.

  9. Choose your battles carefully - let the small stuff go.

  10. Express how you feel rather tossing out accusations.

  11. Acknowledge how sad you are.

  12. Forgive, let go, move on.

If he/she is angry...

  1. Defuse anger by listening.

  2. Identify where you can help.

  3. Walk away or end the call if you can't handle the anger.

  4. Limit what you'll take and how you'll be treated.

  5. Boost self-esteem through assertiveness training.

  6. Deal with each issue separately.

  7. Don't take your ex-spouse's comments too personally.

  8. Stay calm. It's not your anger.

  9. Learn to recognize your own hot buttons.

  10. Try a little compassion - even if it's hard.

  11. Hear the pain, shame or fear behind the anger.

  12. Refuse face-to-face contact and screen calls if you sense any danger.

Full Text of Article

How Angry Are You? Try Angermgmt.com's Anger Toolkit.

Actions When Divorcing

What To Do First
 
3 Ways to End Your Marriage
 
Learn Your Divorce ABC's
 
Find and Maintain Your Lawyer
 
Managing Your Lawyer
 
How To Avoid A Court Trial
 
If You Choose Mediation
 
If You Choose Arbitration
 
If You Choose Collaborative Law
 
How To Prepare For Alternative Dispute Resolution
 
If You Choose To Go To Trial
 
"Knowledge Is Powerful" Check List
 
Who Gets What Where
 
Know What Your Marriage Is Worth
 
Pensions: 12 Worst Mistakes Lawyers Make
 
7 Key Questions To Ask About Retirement Benefits
 
Divorce and the Military
 
Hidden Assets and How To Find Them
 
Taxes And Divorce
 
Divorce and Dividing Debt
 
When To File For Bankruptcy
 
Protect Your Credit Rating
 
Alimony
 
What About Your Children?
 
Emergency Court Orders
 
Appealing or Modifying Your Final Divorce Decree
 
Financial Transitions of Divorce
 
Divorce and Hard Assets
 
Divorce and Soft Assets
 
 

10 Ways To Feel Better Fast
 
How Friends And Family Can Help
 
Join A Group
 
Handle 'Divorce Anger'
 
Keep a Journal
 
Do You Need A Religious Divorce?
 

Ways To Move On