Q&A for How to Act Angry Over Text

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

What can help you express your emotions effectively?

Ashley Smith, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Ashley Smith is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the Co-Founder of Peak Mind: The Center for Psychological Strength. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in treating anxiety and obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Dr. Smith has been featured in several media publications such as The Washington Post and Thrive Global. She has also been published in multiple peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Anxiety Disorders and The Behavior Therapist. Dr. Smith holds a BA in Psychology from The University of Central Arkansas and both an MA and PhD in Clinical Psychology from The University of Nebraska, Lincoln.

Ashley Smith, PhD

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Expert Answer

I think the first step is to be able to identify your emotions. People often say “I feel good” or “I feel bad,” but 'good' and 'bad' are not feelings. Those are judgments. Be more precise in your language. Do a search for the term ‘feelings wheel’ and you will find images of wheels with different kinds of feelings. This can be really useful for finding a more precise word.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 4
Question

How can you let someone know how you feel?

Ashley Smith, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Ashley Smith is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the Co-Founder of Peak Mind: The Center for Psychological Strength. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in treating anxiety and obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Dr. Smith has been featured in several media publications such as The Washington Post and Thrive Global. She has also been published in multiple peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Anxiety Disorders and The Behavior Therapist. Dr. Smith holds a BA in Psychology from The University of Central Arkansas and both an MA and PhD in Clinical Psychology from The University of Nebraska, Lincoln.

Ashley Smith, PhD

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Expert Answer

First, get clear on what you feel. Boil it down to one word. Then say, for example, “I feel hurt when you ____.” That is probably the most effective way to communicate your feelings to someone if you're trying to get them to change or the situation involves them.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 9
Question

What if I want to show I'm mad, but not exactly being mean? Like they "think" I'm mad?

Manasvi Nagendra

Community Answer

On text messages with your friends, be more formal. Say "Ok thank you" rather than "Thanks, tks, thnx or thx" - avoid sending them any smiling emojis and whenever you have a valid reason, send them an annoyed face - but a discreet one. Use full stops at the end to give them the impression you do not want to talk to them or you are eager to end the conversation.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 9 Helpful 22
Question

How do I act subtly angry?

Tessa Metzger

Community Answer

Drop hints, but not in a passive aggressive way, because that can make someone really annoyed. Talk in short messages, and don't really give them any long and thought out answers. But don't bluntly state that you're angry with them.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0