Anger

The definition of anger in most dictionaries begins with: “A strong feeling of displeasure.” Generally that’s toward ourselves, only blamed on someone or something else. In “ ‘Venting Anger’ Only Invites More” (Commentary, Nov. 23), the social behavioristic approach is only one piece of a complex puzzle.

Some may find Debra Zeifman’s views dispassionate, while she finds others to be void of perspective. But while professionals debate, and the whys and wherefores pile up, my belief from recent study is to sum up anger as things not going my way. Not only does that simplify things by covering all bases, it gives us a point of departure that avoids the pitfall of exclusion.

LORRAINE CARPINELLI

Fountain Valley