Well, in at least one respect I've made some progress in the last 6 years.
I have learned to recognize when I'm getting stressed and step in immediately to say it aloud: "I'm getting stressed!"
I acknowledge it as a fact rather than trying to swallow it and act "normal." That helps like you wouldn't believe.
Also, I've learned to say: "I need to step away for a minute...I'm starting to feel stressed..." This alerts the others around me
that I'm having a reaction to something or other and they are less inclined to plow on with whatever is going on.
Giving the "other" a head's up saves a lot of arguments from happening.
A peculiar and singular trait I have is that when I get really really angry I am able to focus and become precise and verbal at the same time.
The laser gets hot and surgical! That is a trait I picked up from my grandfather and my mother. They could give you Lasik surgery with their
words when they were mad at you!
I have pulled waaaaay back from that behavior as well.........."disengage, Terry......disengage....."
