For the most part, I consider myself to be fairly level headed. However, on the occasion when I am confronted with an unexpected situation, I have been known to lose my temper. I wish it weren't so, and I have developed a
workaround which seems to work when I remember to apply it. However, there are times when I need to react appropriately in a more timely manner. For example, I can't take the time to brew a cup of tea immediately after I have been cut off on the freeway and have to resist irrational homicidal impulses. I've taken to avoiding urban freeway driving, just so I am not put in those situations anymore.
When I was in the Navy, I had a similar reaction to being baited by individuals trying to provoke a fight. I never did give in to the impulse and get violent, but there were occasions when I did lose my temper and let loose with a stream of invictive that would peel the paint off the walls. This, of course proved to be quite entertaining to these individuals, so they kept on trying to provoke me. On the occasion when I did just turn and walk away, further insults and calls of 'coward' followed my back. I solved this situation by getting out of the Military and never looking back.
In case you haven't noticed, my typical reaction seems to be to avoid situations where I might lose my temper. While this may work, all I am really doing is avoiding the problem. While I have been able to avoid acting on these violent impulses, I am looking for a way to avoid having them altogether. Any insights would be appreciated.