Hey! Don't Take It Out on Me!

Many people are so frustrated with their own lives that they let out their frustration in the worst way. Unfortunately, that worst way may be towards you. You may be the recipient of the “kick the cat” syndrome. This syndrome is named for the old adage about someone who had a hard day or a misfortune. He comes home and looks to take out his anger on anyone who happens to be there. Unfortunately, the only creature present is the cat. This angry person literally kicks the cat in order to let out his anger and frustration, even though the cat has nothing to do with his frustrations.

Verbal murderers may kick you or someone else who is in their way—not physically, but emotionally. Their boss yelled at them, and they had to take it or risk being fired. Because you are a friend or a family member, however, they have no qualms about taking out their frustrations on you. They do this by being short-tempered with you. For example, you call them at work to let them know that you miss them and would like to take them to lunch. Before you can get a word out, they blurt out gruffly and impatiently, “Didn't I tell you not to call me at work? What do you want?” At this point, the only thing you want is to get off the phone with them and never see them again.

All too often, people who are close to us take the liberty of treating us the worst by unloading their anger onto us. You must never ever let them do this to you. Later on in this book, you will learn what to say in order to defend yourself in this uncomfortable situation.