7 Signs Your Partner Has Anger Issues

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When Anger Turns Into A Common Occurrence, It Can Create Problems

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Just like joy, anger is a natural human emotion that we all experience from time to time. But when it starts to invade your relationship and becomes frequent, intense, or uncontrollable, it can create serious problems.

If your partner consistently lashes out over minor inconveniences, holds grudges, and struggles to calm down, you may be dealing with more than just occasional frustration.

Anger issues can be due to a variety of reasons, from recurrent stress or past trauma to learned behavior, mental health problems, control issues, and a lack of coping skills.

Here Are 7 Red Flags That Your Partner Has Anger Issues

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And while everyone is allowed to get upset once in a while, chronic anger issues will only create more emotional distress and toxic patterns in your relationship.

It’s important to recognize the warning signs early and address the situation before it can escalate even further. So, here are seven red flags that your partner might have unresolved anger issues.

1. They Overreact To Trivial Problems

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One of the biggest indicators of anger issues is overreaction to minor inconveniences. If your partner frequently flares up when you accidentally spill a drink, for instance, or they misplace their keys, it’s an indicator of something deeper.

Instead of having the emotional maturity to brush off small mishaps or regulate their emotions, your partner often escalates situations and has outbursts. This kind of response just makes your relationship feel tense, and you may worry about what’s going to set them off next.

2. They Blame You For Their Feelings

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At the same token, your partner might try to pin their anger on you in an attempt to avoid taking responsibility for their emotions. They may insist that you “made” them angry, making an unfair dynamic where you’re always expected to tiptoe around their moods.

Healthy relationships require accountability. But when someone refuses to own their personal feelings and actions, it just results in manipulation, guilt-tripping, and gaslighting.

3. They Have Trouble Calming Down

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Does your partner take a super long time to calm down after getting riled up? Keep in mind that anger issues aren’t just about how quickly they become mad; it’s also about how long the anger lingers.

Your partner might remain upset for hours or even days, hindering any chances you both have of moving forward. It makes conflicts feel exhausting and never-ending, leaving you in a cycle that’s really draining.

Recognizing the cause of frustration, addressing it, and moving on is part of healthy anger management, not letting it simmer indefinitely.

4. They Scream Or Even Get Physical While Enraged

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If your partner resorts to yelling, throwing things, or any form of physical aggression when they’re angry, it’s a major red flag. They shouldn’t lose control to the point where they believe slamming doors, breaking objects, or targeting you is okay.

This behavior is unfair, creates a hostile and fearful dynamic in your relationship, and may get even worse over time. You should never have to feel unsafe with your partner, so if their anger repeatedly leads to aggression or intimidation, take it seriously and seek support.

5. They May Show Remorse, But Nothing Changes

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After an outburst, your partner might always apologize and express remorse. They may say they’re guilty and promise to do better. Yet, their behavior never changes.

This is a sign that unresolved anger issues are at play, and your partner isn’t actually committed to breaking the cycle. True growth requires a lot more than simply saying “I’m sorry,” and if your partner refuses to take meaningful action or get help, it may be time to consider if your relationship is worthwhile anymore.

6. You And Others Always Feel Like You’re Walking On Eggshells

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It’s one thing if you constantly feel like you have to be careful with your words to avoid setting your partner off. However, you may notice that even other people, like relatives, friends, or coworkers, also tend to tread lightly around them.

It doesn’t necessarily mean that people are afraid of your partner. Nonetheless, it suggests they have reactions that are unpredictable or intense enough to make most people around them, not just you, feel uneasy.

7. Their Anger Has Affected More Than Your Relationship

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Finally, on a similar note, unresolved anger issues won’t just impact your romantic relationship. They may also cause problems in other areas of your partner’s life.

From frequent conflicts with coworkers to constant fights with friends or family members and a history of burned bridges, all of this indicates their anger is a recurring pattern. And if they’re unwilling to recognize how much damage their unchecked emotions cause, then it might be time for you to reevaluate how their behavior is affecting your well-being.

Katharina Buczek graduated from Stony Brook University with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Digital Arts. Specializing ... More about Katharina Buczek

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