Anger in the rise? Or is it me?

[HMSSophie]

Blimey but people seem to be getting angry, and showing it, more than ever.

Snapping, shouting, glaring, spiteful verbal exchanges - between strangers - all seem to be rising. Or maybe it's just me and my local area. I know I'm aware of feeling more frustrated and hopeless than ever. And that my "happy and coping" demeanour is perilously thin in places.

Tell me I'm not alone in observing this in myself and others, please! I feel quite alone in a hostile inner and outer world.

I've noticed it too, although actually less so since lockdown- probably because I hardly go anywhere. Only really been to supermarket at quiet times and everyone has been respectful and friendly (at a distance!)

But over the last 10 or 15 years I've seen/ heard of so many exchanges where people have taken umbrage at a kindly-meant comment, or verbal and physical aggression over situations that could have been resolved simply with a normal conversation. It makes for a depressing atmosphere sometimes.

Often on MN, funnily enough , but in everyday life too. It's as though some people just enjoy being angry.