[INTP] INTP Rage

[Schizm]

I'll try.

It seems to me that most of my anger (which isn't very often) comes about whenever I'm not really in control of the things or people around me. It's like a survival/self-defense mechanism...the biological differences are obvious when you become angry. It's simply a matter of feeling uncomfortable (which to me...is when I feel like I'm not in control).

Your original post appears to be based on a specific thing that happened to you (although, I could be wrong). I can only assume that someone that you liked/trusted did something to you or reacted to you in a way that you didn't expect and didn't like, so you are reacting with anger.

I used to get angry a lot...now I pretty much only get angry when someone disrespects/embarrasses me. Let's say (hypothetically, of course) that I bare-knuckle boxed a couple of years ago. When I realized that it really wasn't all that bad, I started to feel far more comfortable everywhere. I wasn't afraid to fight because I wasn't afraid to lose and I knew that the chances of losing were slim anyways because I'm willing to do anything for myself and those that are important to me. As an INTP, I'm sure you can identify with at least part of that.

I saw a quote once that said something to the extent of, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, because I am the evilest mother fucker that ever walked through the valley."

Does any of that help you? Maybe not, but that's my thoughts on anger. Standing up for yourself isn't just about being physical. It can be emotional too. If you don't feel comfortable opening up to people, let them know that. If they can't accept it, that's their problem. If you don't like people dumping their emotional baggage on you, stop listening. I've got more examples if you don't understand entirely where I am coming from.

I understand where you are coming from. And I do agree with staying away from people who are draining and controlling. Your insight has helped me delve into the problem a lot deeper. Sometimes, I feel so blind to my own motivations. Maybe human contact is good for these sort of issues.

 

[Schizm]

I've never been in a fist fight, but I'm usually physically passive and diffuse tense situations with words and/or my somewhat intimidating 210 pound 5'11" frame.

Only once in my life have I ever experienced INTP like rage in a physically combative situation. That was on the football field in high school. I ran a kid over while doing drills and gave him a serious concussion.
The reason for this is probably two fold. One, I've never been put in a situation where a serious fist fight was at hand. And two, it takes a lot to put me in a raging mood.

Hypothetically if I was to get hit, I would fight back. The intensity would depend completely on the situation though.


Sometimes, I wish I would get angry over more situations. I would have been a far better athlete on the football field.

I see. Plenty of activities do not involve aggression though. I too was docile at times as a wrestler in high school. Activities like rock climbing and running are more up my alley.

 

[Totenkindly]

...Fuck, the idea of letting people in is absurd. I dated this INFJ and told her I didn't want to know how many guys she had humped. She concurred. Why do I want to know that one of my girl friend's b/f used to rob and threaten people's lives for money? Shit like that should stay quiet.

Well, I definitely agree about that. One of the worst dates I ever had in my life consisted of the other person spending the evening talking about their neuroses and their sexual life with this other person they were still emotionally embroiled with. I smiled and nodded and listened, but decided that was enough of that for one lifetime.

I think the things people should be open about are the things that allow for the formation of strong connections and intimacy, not being open just as a 'personal dumping ground' for someone's self-indulgent emotionalism.

Do you think I trust that guy? Hell no. Every time I am around him, I am ready for something to go down. Anyone who wants to go around robbing and fucking with people like that isn't the kind of person I want to be around. And how judgemental of me right? Gee, I have flaws too. Yeah, of course I do but I don't go around threatening to kill people for 10 dollars.

Sounds like we are definitely moving in different social circles then. No, around people with that mentality, I wouldn't open myself up either. (and I would get the hell out of Dodge.)

All I know is that people are capable of so very much. They will ...double dip ...

:horor: (bastards!)

I see. Plenty of activities do not involve aggression though. I too was docile at times as a wrestler in high school. Activities like rock climbing and running are more up my alley.

*nod* Typical INTP sports... ones where you don't have to act aggressively directly against another, and it's more a matter of self-discipline, and using your head to logic things out as you go. Contact sports have a much higher quantity of brute force and instinctual reaction rather than drawn-out thinking.

 

[JonJT]

I see. Plenty of activities do not involve aggression though. I too was docile at times as a wrestler in high school. Activities like rock climbing and running are more up my alley.

Yes, there are many passive activities, some of which I take part in. But, adrenalin is a hell of a drug. There is no high like playing under Friday Night Lights.
I miss football..........

 

[JonJT]

*nod* Typical INTP sports... ones where you don't have to act aggressively directly against another, and it's more a matter of self-discipline, and using your head to logic things out as you go. Contact sports have a much higher quantity of brute force and instinctual reaction rather than drawn-out thinking.

Eh, there is quite a bit of thinking to be done in the contact sports I've played. You just have to do it at game speed. Turning that game wining thought process into instinctual split second decisions is what separates the star athletes from the regulars.
My mind was alive figuring out defensive formations and possible methods of attack when I was in the Backfield (I was a fullback). Football is a complicated game. You may find knuckle dragging, chest pounding meat heads on a high school team, but the really good players are at least somewhat smart-ish. (somewhat)