Slow as Sunday- anger management

by: Nathan - posted: 7/26/2009 3:29:00 AM

As gamers we are used to the frustration of failing time and time again trying to achieve our goals. Whether it may be getting a frag in an online mulitplayer FPS, barely missing the jump to that far away platform, or failing to block the combo that lays our fighter flat on the floor, failures abound. For some gamers, not all but some, there is a sense of overwhelming anger when they fail and that anger can be misdirected to those around us. I've experienced this first hand with my brother, who would often curse and yell at me if I talk to him while he's playing Call of Duty 4. As someone who understands the adrenaline rush and intense action of that game I don't take offense when he does this. When another person who doesn't understand what its like to play a game has to suffer the wrath of misdirected anger, feelings can get hurt. If you are a gamer that tends to swear or yell when you get frustrated I challenge you to think about those times you might have yelled at someone for walking in front of the TV or speaking too loudly. When you lash out at those around you in that way not only do you make them feel guilty for their actions, but you also make them feel that they are worth less than the game you're playing. I don't care how into video games you are, if you yell at the ones you love just because you're having a hard time then it's time to take a break and think about the situation. Yes, they did something to interrupt you and violated your personal space, but is it worth their feelings when venting your anger? The answer is no my friends.The way I see it there are two options. You can let the anger go or direct it at something that is less fragile than a person ego. I find that a foam toy (mine is a giant d6) is a suitable projectile to throw on the ground, stomp, or crush with your fist when you need to release that pent up energy.