Listening to an angry person can be a challenging and stressful situation, especially if the person is someone you care about or work closely with. It's important to remember that anger is a normal emotion, but when it becomes intense and uncontrolled, it can be dangerous for both the person experiencing it and for those around them.
One of the most important things is to remain calm and composed when listening to someone expressing anger. It can be easy to get caught up in their emotions and respond with anger yourself, but this can escalate the situation and make it worse. Instead, focus on staying calm and speak in a measured tone.
Another key aspect of dealing with an angry person is to actively listen to them. This means paying attention to what they're saying, naming and acknowledging their feelings, and trying to understand where they're coming from. This can help to de-escalate the situation and show the person that you're taking them seriously. Even if you don't agree, you are listening to them.
It's also important to set boundaries for yourself when dealing with an angry person. This can include things like physically distancing yourself from them if you feel threatened, or telling them that you will not tolerate certain types of behavior.
It's important to remember that not everyone has the same coping mechanisms or the same level of emotional intelligence, some people may need professional help to manage their anger. If the person is someone you care about, you can suggest in a calm moment for both of you that they seek help from a therapist. Explain the patterns you see. This can be a sign of care and concern for them. If they refuse and get angry at you for suggesting therapy, continue to focus on being your best self. The only person you can ever control is YOU.
Dealing with an angry person can be difficult, but with the right approach and mindset, you can handle the situation safely and effectively.
If you need help with calming yourself after engaging with an angry person, or in learning active listening tips to help, consider a HOLD Listening appointment. Others have felt better – you deserve to, too!