Thought Triggers to Anger

The following are a series of thought patterns that can lead a person to anger if he/she is not aware of what is occurring and does not take steps to disarm them:

You think that people misunderstand you or do not listen to you much of the time?
You constantly think of things you could have or should have said or done better?
You often judge what others could have or should have said or done better?
You habitually think of ways that people have hurt, embarrassed or blamed you?
You can’t help thinking that others are talking about you behind your back?
You cannot stop suspecting that others do not want you to succeed and are working against you?
You blame others for the plight in which you find yourself now or found yourself before?
You think that “if only people saw it my way—the right way—things would be much better (i.e. , you would be in your comfort zone)?”
You have to control what others do, so that things turn out the way they are supposed to (to your advantage)?
You think, “I have the right to get mad if you don’t do what I want you to?”
You believe that you do not have a choice and have to react to various stressors by getting angry?
You are sure that getting angry is a useful tool for intimidating people and getting your way?
You are afraid for your safety or that of a loved one and immediately go into “fight” (flight, freeze) mode?
You think that you are entitled to do or have things that others are not; and if you are not allowed to do/have it, that you have the right to demand it?
You often believe that you are owed something and don’t understand why others don’t see it?
When you are waiting in line and someone cuts in, or if you think that someone is getting preferential treatment at your expense you get angry.
You believe, but won’t admit, that certain rules should be followed by others, but that you are an exception?
It feels like a personal attack when your significant other is with someone else for any reason or has gone somewhere without telling you and you think of ways to punish her/him?
You are constantly going over stories in your mind that you have told or will tell others, so as not to be caught in a lie.
You hold grudges or find it impossible to forgive certain people?
You get frustrated quickly and lose hope that things will get better?
You have pictured in your mind what it would be like to harm or kill yourself or another person?