When Tempers Flare: How to Deal With Angry People

Tips on how to navigate the hot-headed people in your life

Taking a break from an escalating encounter is sometimes the best way to handle an angry person. Westend61/Getty Images

In my role as a mental health professional, I hear comments such as these every week:

“When my spouse starts to get upset, it quickly escalates and sometimes spins out of control. I don’t know what to do.”