We explain what someone irascible is like, their characteristics and how it is convenient to treat them. Also, how is someone concupiscible?
What is someone irascible like?
an irascible person is one that is particularly prone to anger that is, to anger or excessive rage. In general, these types of people tend to act driven by this angry feeling and do, say or decide things that they might later regret.
The word “irascible” and its derived noun “irascibility” are forms inherited from Latin, specifically from the verb irasci (“to become angry”, “to rage”), derived from the Indo-European root eis-whose main meaning is “to move quickly.” This seems to refer to the quick and violent actions that people usually take when they are in the grip of anger.
Irascibility is usually understood as a personality defect that is, as a weakness, a possible source of problems and suffering. In fact, in the Western religious tradition, the gonna It is considered among the seven capital sins (that is, the sins that engender other sins) and in the representation of hell by Dante Alighieri (1265-1321) in his Divine Comedy From 1320 he is assigned the fifth circle, along with the lazy, since both types of sin are forms of incontinence.
See also: Strengths and weaknesses of a person
Characteristics of an irascible person
Normally, an irascible person is characterized by the following:
- Almost always it's very easy to get angry and when this happens, the anger is usually disproportionate.
- Often says, does, or decides things in anger and then he regrets it or must apologize.
- Their reactions are unpredictable so people often avoid telling you bad news.
- He doesn't like being contradicted and gets angry when that happens.
- when he gets angry often raises his voice and acts aggressively: hit the table, break things. You can also look for scapegoats for your anger, that is, pay for it with third parties.
How to deal with irascible people?
Dealing with an irascible person is usually a challenge for most individuals, both personally and professionally. When doing so, it is important to consider the following tips:
- keep calm. The first and great advice for dealing with an irascible person is not to get caught up in the angry dynamic, as that would only trigger an escalation of aggressiveness and prevent any possibility of understanding.
- Listen to each other's arguments. Often irascible people are afraid of not being heard and taken into account, and they seek to impose themselves through force of character or tone of voice. Therefore, a good strategy will always involve listening to them, validating their opinion with our attention and, if appropriate, with a response.
- Don't give in out of fear. It is easy to agree for fear of the other person's reaction, but this type of behavior will not only reinforce the irascible person's bad behavior, but will also harm the person who gives in, making him or her feel violated and subjected.
- Wait. Sometimes the best way to deal with another person's anger is to wait. Take a pause with an excuse, divert the conversation to another topic to return to it later with a calmer head, or some other conflict postponement strategy. Many irascible people can thus become aware of their own attitude, although others may feel evaded, so this must be done with great tact and respect.
- Set certain limits. The other's anger does not always respond to calm, sometimes on the contrary it needs to be confronted to deflate. Drawing a boundary in the conversation firmly but calmly will warn the irascible person that his behavior will not be tolerated and that he should put effort into his self-control.
- Take physical precautions. If the irascible person is prone to violence, and you think they might react badly, it will be a good idea to keep a certain distance, involve third parties who can assist, and encourage conversation in an open, friendly, safe environment.
- After the storm, negotiate. Once the angry person is calm, do not miss the opportunity to address the issue of his anger and expose firmly and clearly the damage he has done and the problems that his behavior fosters. Only through reflection and self-control will that person be able to control their anger.
Irascible and concupiscible
In the Christian moral tradition, irascibility and concupiscence are forms of sin. The first is an excessive form of anger, which offends God to the extent that the person acts against his designs (for example, taking the life of another person in the midst of fury). While concupiscence should be understood as the propensity for worldly and carnal desires contrary to God, especially those related to sex.
Therefore, If an irascible person is one who is prone to anger, a concupiscible person is one who is prone to lust first of all, but also to sinful impulses in general. According to Christian philosophy, there are two forms of concupiscence: the actual one, which is the sinful desires themselves, and the habitual one, which is the propensity to feel these desires.
Continue with: Humility
References
- “Irascible” in the Dictionary of the Language of the Royal Spanish Academy.
- “Concupiscible” in the Dictionary of the Language of the Royal Spanish Academy.
- “Etymology of Irascible” in the Online Spanish Etymological Dictionary.
- “The best professional tactics for dealing with difficult people” in El Confidencial.