Anger vs Resentment
Anger and resentment are two distinct emotions, despite many people considering them as synonymous. The distinction between these emotions lies in how they are experienced. Anger is a reaction to an unpleasant situation or event, while resentment is a voluntary act of dwelling on past events, involving a feeling of bitterness.
Understanding Anger
Anger can be defined as a strong feeling of displeasure, according to the Oxford English Dictionary. It is a natural emotion that arises in response to a disturbing situation where an individual feels hurt or threatened. When an individual feels angry, physical and emotional changes can occur, such as an increased heart rate or tightened jaws and muscles. Anger can lead to aggressive behavior, but it can also result in being distant, cold, or resigned. As long as anger serves as a motivational factor for an individual, it should not be viewed as unnatural or problematic. However, if anger becomes a hindrance to the individual’s relationships and goals, it should be managed.
Defining Resentment
Resentment is a feeling of bitterness experienced by an individual who feels they have been treated unfairly. It is an emotion composed of anger, pain, hurt, and disappointment, and is usually based on past events that are triggered by a present event. Resentment involves reliving painful experiences repeatedly, with the individual unable to let go of the hurt and forgive the other person. Resentment never has a positive outcome, as it only hurts the individual and acts as a barrier, preventing them from moving on with their life. To let go of resentment, the individual must acknowledge their actual condition, which can include rejection, pain, and hurt.
Key Takeaways
- Anger is a natural reaction to a disturbing situation, while resentment involves reliving a bitter and hurtful experience repeatedly.
- Feeling angry is normal and beyond an individual’s control, whereas resentment is a choice that can be controlled by letting go of bitter emotions.
- Anger can sometimes be positive, while resentment is never positive and only hurts the individual.
