I Am Anger

Hi there! My name is Anger. I'm a feeling that can feel hot and big, like a volcano getting ready to rumble. I show up when things feel unfair, like when someone takes your toy without asking or cuts in front of you in line. I am the feeling you get when something just isn't right.

When I arrive, you might feel your face get warm and your fists get tight. Your heart might beat fast, thump-thump-thump! I can make you want to stomp your feet or yell really loud. That's just my way of trying to get your attention and say, 'Hey! Something is wrong here, and we need to do something about it!'.

Sometimes I can be so loud that it's hard to think. But yelling or hitting doesn't usually fix the problem. Instead of letting me explode, you can learn to listen to me. You can take a big, slow dragon breath and blow all the hot air out. You can also use your words and tell a grown-up, 'I feel angry because my tower got knocked down.' This helps everyone understand.

See? I'm not a 'bad' feeling. I'm actually here to help you. I give you the energy to protect your toys, stand up for a friend, or solve a tricky problem. When you learn how to use my power for good, I can be like a superhero shield that helps you make things fair and right again. I continue to help people today by giving them the strength to speak up and make important changes.

Formulated c. 350 BCE (circa)
Studied 1872
Identified 1972
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