Anger is one of the most primal emotions known to man. It is fiery and can be potentially dangerous if not handled properly. Everyone manages their anger differently but some ways are more productive than others.

One productive way to deal with anger is to talk about it.

“I like to vent, but only with close friends. You don’t want everyone to know your business,” said junior psychology major Chelsea Castillo. “I also like to work out. My background has taught me to be resilient to anger so I realize you have to channel it in better ways.”

When faced with anger, people can either internalize or externalize it. Yelling, making broad gestures, annoyed sighs and fist shaking are signs of reasonable externalized anger.

Internalized anger is the most common form of anger because it is the most socially acceptable. Temper-tantrums stop being cute at age 5.

Any adult who cannot control his or her emotions in public is looked down on or written off as spoiled, childish or mentally unstable by society.

When people are angered in a place of business they are expected to handle any situation professionally. This is obviously not always the case but a professional setting should not be the only place someone uses constructive reasoning to deal with his or her emotions.

Analyzing a situation is a productive way for anyone to handle his or her anger when they need to conceal it.

Escalating over time, anger can turn into uncontrollable rage. If the anger is so great that a person breaks and throws things, or even worse, wields a weapon, rage has clearly set in.

People who are prone to anger can experience instantaneous rage; an example of this is road rage. The driver, or passenger, will explode in a fit of anger at another vehicle or pedestrian and nothing good can ever come with it.

Meditating and self-reflecting are healthy approaches to dealing with anger. This way you can give yourself time to cool down and carefully choose the words you want to say out loud, instead of saying something regrettable.

“If I ever find myself angry, I first admit that I am actually angry about something,” said junior music management and international business major Felecia Fullilove. “I usually try to push it to the back of my mind and try to focus on the other things to do. I try to go off by myself and pray about it.”

Anger can be misplaced and is often contagious. It is easy to get wrapped up in some one’s anger, but unless you are able to productively assist in calming down a situation, it is best to avoid hostile situations. Discussions and decisions are best made with a clear state of mind.

Even though life throws unexpected curveballs, there is a time and a place for anger. Taking a moment and thinking things through can prevent anger from taking over. Picking your battles can save relationships and stop one from doing damage which can’t be undone.

Ure Egbuho can be reached at [email protected]