I have a temper. While this word is most frequently used to describe tantrums thrown by small children, it is the perfect adjective to use in regards to the legacy of being half Irish and half Italian. I am quick to anger and even quicker to lash out. There is never really any question to my feelings. When I was younger, I used to get into fistfights and have the scars to prove it. With age has come maturity (or just a distaste for getting grounded or suspended for violence) and now, when my temper flares, I use my words. And though I have pretty good upper body strength, it is my words that hurt far worse.
When men are angry, they tend to react in a physical way. Punching walls, throwing something, even punching someone. And then usually, after this quick bout of violence, they start to cool down. Two friends may go from taking swings to having beers and swapping jokes. That is just the nature of men. When women fight, it is a whole dramatic process. It is the end of the world. No matter what the argument is about, it is the WORST THING THAT COULD EVER HAPPEN! Your girlfriend slept with your man? Whore! Another friend borrowed a shirt and spilled a miniscule amount of red wine on it? Bitch! Both crimes are heinous and unforgiveable. A female argument goes from zero to sixty in seconds. And tends to stay at sixty for a while.
With my supposed maturity, I have tried to subscribe to the adage of "if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all". When I am angry, I try to walk away, before letting loose the swirling tempest of vitriol that is inside of me. My reasoning is this, you can tell someone you are sorry, but they can't unhear what you said. Calling your friend an obese whore, is really not one of those things you can forgive and forget. Even after you kiss and make up, she is always going to remember you said it. Now there are certain situations that it is impossible to hold it in. While the man way of throwing down may seem more straightforward, girls have mastered the subtle art of making you feel terrible about yourself without lifting a finger.
If worst comes to worst and you really feel the urge to kick some ass, do what I do and listen to the song "Girl Fight". If it doesn't cool you down, at least it will give you some helpful tips...
