How do you deal with anger?

During a casual conversation with a colleague, you mention an idea that you're going to pitch to your boss. Later that day, your colleague discusses the same idea with your boss and claims it as his own. You:

A.) Rush into your boss's office and tell her your colleague is a "LIAR!"

B.) Wait until you're composed to approach your boss. Let her know the idea was yours and you worked long and hard on it. As for your colleague, you'll think twice about confiding in him from now on.

C.) You're angry, but if your co-worker takes the credit there's really not that much you can do about it.

Correct!

Wrong!

Just days before a much-needed vacation, your boss tells you she's going to need you to stay in town to help prepare for an upcoming conference. You know that she's had weeks to get ready for it and has left things to the last minute. You:

A.) Let her know that you plan on taking your vacation and that she should find someone else to help her.

B.) Attempt to compromise. Ask if you can share the work with a colleague and either delay your vacation a few days or bring the work along.

C.) Immediately agree to change your plans -- can't really think of other options. After all, she's the boss.

Correct!

Wrong!

You and your significant other have an argument about your household budget. He accuses you of overspending while refusing to admit that his own recent purchases have been extravagant. You:

A.) Tell him that you can't live with such a "tightwad" and that since many relationships end over finances, maybe yours will, too.

B.) Suggest that the two of you sit down to go over your budget and bills together. You have faith that you'll be able to compromise on unnecessary purchases.

C.) Tell him he's right and that you probably have been overspending recently. Sure, he's guilty of it, too, but is it worth making it into an issue?

Correct!

Wrong!

On your way into the office Monday morning, a passerby bumps into you causing you to drop your cup of coffee. To make matters worse, he yells over his shoulder, "Watch where you're going!" You:

A.) Yell a few choice words in his direction and watch the color drain from his face.

B.) Look in his direction, say "Excuse me" politely but firmly, and go on your way. It isn't worth getting into an argument with someone on the street.

Apologize, even though you know that he bumped into you. Collect your things, and walk swiftly in the opposite direction.

Correct!

Wrong!

You get in a fight with a good friend about something you both feel strongly about. Your usual response is to:

A.) Have it out about how you feel. Getting it off your chest is a relief, even if you have to apologize later.

B.) Call her later and tell her why you were upset. Try to understand where she's coming from too. If you can't reach an agreement, agree to disagree.

C.) Let her win the argument. Your friendship is too important to you to let this get in the way. Your opinions should come second to her feelings.

Correct!

Wrong!

In general, when someone or something makes you mad, your first response is to:

A.) Let it out! Why keep your feelings bottled up? Your first reaction is generally the most honest, and the person who angered you should know how you feel.

B.) Take a deep breath. Think about why you feel angry and how best to communicate your emotions.

C.) Avoid any type of confrontation. You'd rather suffer in silence than have put yourself in a situation where you have to talk about your feelings.

Correct!

Wrong!