“Strong men” and “pretty women” (those who, over period of evolution had the most power to cause harm or withhold benefits) are most easily angered reports psychologist Aaron Seel. He concludes the benefit of anger is to prevent oneself from being exploited. Hence if you feel affronted, safety and civility are dismissed and we can act angrily and people take action. The anger boosts confidence, optimism and risk taking.
So if you feel victim to anger quickly check what the angry person mistakenly thinks is being exploited by you. That item is the subject for you to discuss versus your own personal sense of exploitation. If it is not obvious, find a therapist whom you can be candid with and who will be brave enough to share an opinion.
Psychology Today, February 2015, p. 47
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