I'm so sorry you had that kind of pressure, my ex-husband was a lot that way, made it rough for the kids, you're right. Sounds like you've dealt with it well thus far, but still, sorry you have those hurts. And I agree, God always makes things better. LOL, the Lord will send you someone wonderful, you'll see.
Does public speaking frighten you? Have you had much experience with it?
[FONT="]What sort of reaction do you have when you get very upset? [/FONT]
[FONT="]Is it ever appropriate for someone to express anger in a physical way? If so, when and how?[/FONT]
I'm sorry to hear about your ex-husband, it's always sad when people project their own fears onto others in the form of criticism, it just destroys any chance of having a proper relationship of any kind. It's still a slight struggle at times, but it's something I can learn from too.
I'm also fairly certain that God will cross my path with someone special too; I think I'm doing a pretty good job of waiting patiently, if I do say so myself.
I'm quite happy to talk to people in any situation, I've done a little public speaking in my time and it's not as bad as I might've imagined. In the past I was quite timid at times, but I think I've learned to relax now. Mostly.
Unfortunately, I tend to keep my sorrow to myself, but I don't think I get very upset often. Other times, I just keep my mouth shut and get on with life.
As for anger, I feel there are times when anger needs to expressed physically, although in the scenario I'm thinking of, you might not call it anger. It might be a different emotion or thought pattern.
Basically I'm talking about anytime when someone in is grave danger. If I'm out with friends or family, it's sensible to keep my mind open to possible threats posed by people around us. It could be something innocent like a vehicle manuevering near us, in which case you'd just make sure everyone was out of harms way.
However, if it's late at night or the area you're walking through is enclosed, possibly darkened, then their would be a greater need for caution or situational awareness, as some might call it. When presented with a strong threat such as physical violence or a rape attempt, then I would support the use of any reasonable resistance.
So you could say that yes, I'd be angry, and yes, I'd be expressing my anger physically.
Carrying a weapon with intent to harm is quite a serious crime in England, even if he motive is self-defence, but a 18-inch maglight isn't a weapon, it's a torch. If in all the commotion, it happened to strike the attacker, then in legal terms you've got a stronger defence (compared to carrying a bladed weapon)
Obviously carrying a torch on your person on a bright, sunny day, might not be as explainable as having one on a cold dark, winter night, so common sense should be exercised.
It should also be kept in mind that the best way to stay safe, is to literally avoid trouble. Stay away from places where an attack would be more likely etc. Unfortunately, that's not always possible.
If you're refering to an individual violently abusing another person or animal, then I'd say no, it's not acceptable. Mental and emotional abuse can be just as soul-destroying, but that's a different subject altogether.
So, in short, sometimes.

I'd have to know the facts about each occurance though, so it's probably a good thing I'm not a lawyer.
[bible]
Matthew 10:16 ....be as cunning as snakes, as innocent as doves
[/bible]
That's my basis for most of what I said here, but that verse doesn't directly deal with anger, so that's something else I've got to learn.
