Go Ahead and Storm Off

It beats the alternative

Here’s how to do it right.

There are worse things to do than storm around. (Image credit: chutipon Pattanatitinon on Unsplash)

Walking calms several uncomfortable reactions, which is why stomping off your fury is one of the most efficient ways to get past anger.

And there’s a specific technique for doing it without further provoking the person you’re angry with. See below. (Or book an appointment with us and learn the right scripts today.)

Angry? Walk it off. (Image credit: Author)

Here’s how to storm off without further provoking your conversational partner into escalating the conflict.

• Save the blame. When you’re triggered, your goal should be flight, not fight (or freeze, flail, freak, any other non-pregnancy-risking “f” word). If your partner needs blaming, save it for when you’re done walking.
• Take ownership. Don’t say “you” at all. Speak only for yourself. Say: “I’m too [pick one: angry, overwhelmed, shocked, upset, hurt] to talk right now. I need a break.”
• State intention. “I’m going [pick one: for a walk, to shower, to storm off, to the gym, for ice cream].”
• Talk future. Don’t leave your partner hanging. That increases the odds of your getting chased…