Anger is healthy and a normal human emotion. However, if not controlled, it could damage even timeless relationships.

Psychiatrist and Hypnotherapist Dr. Dayal Mirchandani uses these case studies to show you how to control your anger.

Commuters Ire

Rohini Narayanan an HR executive from Mumbai, commutes to office daily by train. Rush hour commotion and fights are a part and parcel of her daily commute. However, on one unfateful day, someone accidentally pushed her and she snapped.

"I don't know what happened but I just lost it. I wasn't hurt, but the idea of being disturbed from my comfortable position simply annoyed me," says Rohini.

What started out as a verbal warring, soon turned ugly with Rohini slapping the other woman. In  turn her hair was pulled.

"If the others hadn't interfered, I think we would have ended up having a real fist fight," recalls Rohini.

Dr. Mirchandani Explains…

"The instinctive way to respond to anger is aggression. And in this case it was a natural and spontaneous reaction of annoyance."

"However, the reaction went overboard and Rohini lost control over her anger."

Next Time Around…

…go with a prepared mindset!

Rush hours are fraught with people who are in a hurry to reach some place. Combine this with personal issues or stress and the slightest reason will spark off an argument.

The idea is to remain calm and detached in such instances. You need to understand that certain things are beyond your control.

In case you lose your temper, apologise immediately, before things spiral out of hand.

"When you act sensibly the other person will automatically follow suit," advises Dr. Mirchandani.

Friendly Fight

Pravin and Rajiv have known each other since childhood. However, their friendship almost came to an end with a silly remark.

"We were attending a lecture where the professor circulated a few magazines. Rajiv was disinterested in the lecture and didn't bother to check the magazines," recalls Pravin.

"After the class had viewed them, the mags were placed on my desk. Minutes later, Rajiv hollers my name and accuses me of keeping the magazines to myself instead of circulating it."

"I instantly lost my cool," says Pravin. "I asked him to shut his mouth, flung the magazines on his face and walked out. We did not speak to each other for a week after that."

Dr. Mirchandani Explains…

"This is a case of misunderstanding and immaturity. Rajiv may have made those comments with a harmless mindset. But it was irresponsible. Plus, the tone in which he said it could have provoked Pravin's aggressive response."

Next Time Around…

…remember, there is an invisible line of control in any relation, even friendship. It has to be respected.

Remember, everybody need not be in the same mood as you are and therefore needn't take everything in the way you intend to.

If a friend misbehaves, remind him politely yet firmly. Do not bottle up your feelings. It could lead to disastrous consequences, including depression.

At the end of the day slip-ups are bound to happen. So always be willing to forgive and forget.