Difference Between Anger and Bitterness

Anger vs Bitterness
 

Difference between Anger and bitterness can often be confusing to understand. Even though, most people assume that words such as anger, fury, rage, wrath, and bitterness appear to be similar, among these words we can identify certain differences. Anger refers to the feeling of displeasure that a person experiences. Bitterness, on the other hand, is different to anger as it goes beyond displeasure to feelings such as hatred, resentment, and even disappointment. This is one of the key differences that can be identified with anger and bitterness. Through this article let us explore the differences that prevail between these terms, while understanding the nature of these two emotions.

What is Anger?

Anger can be understood as a feeling of displeasure. It is quite natural to feel angry as we all experience this emotion. However, this is only temporary. When a person feels threatened or hurt they tend to get angry. For example, imagine a child who gets grounded for misbehaving. It is natural that the child would feel angry at the parents for grounding him. This is because the child is denied the opportunity to go out with friends, and have a good time. This denial results in anger. But this is only a momentary reaction. When we get angry, we notice certain changes in our body, as well, such as the elevation of the heart beat and even tension. The temperament of an individual is also important. Some people are rather hot tempered; these types of people get angry very easily for even trivialities. However, there are others who are much more composed and rarely get angry. In any case, it is important that we learn to control our anger before it goes out of hand. There are individuals who need assistance with anger management as they cannot control their anger. This can be a very serious situation because when such a person is very angry, they have no control over their actions. Later they may even regret their actions yet at the spur of the moment they are incapable of handling the situation positively.

What is Bitterness?

Bitterness is to be full of hatred and resentment. Imagine a person who has been wronged or even betrayed by another. It is natural that the person would feel angry. If the person does not let go of this anger within him, it turns into bitterness. The person becomes resentful, disappointed and even full of hatred but has no means of letting go of these emotions that are weighing him down. Unlike anger that prevails for a short time, bitterness can last for a long time. For some people, bitterness lasts a lifetime where the individual changes completely to a resentful, unpleasant person. His life becomes one of misery and has a negative impact on the person. When a person is bitter, he is not dwelling on a present situation but a past situation to which he has not found a resolution of making peace with himself. This highlights that bitterness and anger are not the same, but two different emotions.

What is the difference between Anger and Bitterness?

• Anger can be understood as a feeling of displeasure whereas Bitterness is to be full of hatred and resentment.

• Anger, if not let to go, can turn into bitterness and the person becomes resentful, disappointed, and even full of hatred.

• Unlike anger that prevails for a short time, bitterness can last for a long time. On some occasions, people can hold on to bitter emotions for even a lifetime.

• Anger is about a present situation, whereas bitterness generates from a past situation to which the person has not found a solution or means of letting go.

 

Images Courtesy:

1. Angry boy via Pixabay (Public Domain)
2. A pinched and bitter facial expression via Wikicommons (Public Domain)