Fighting with your partner? Step out of the room and wait til you’re ready to talk.

It happens to every couple; a small argument turns into a big one, and before you know it, you are clenching your fists and feeling like you could just…

Whew, take a deep breath and think about this for a minute.

As angry as you might be, it is never ok to get abusive with your partner, either physically or verbally. In fact, it is illegal and prosecutable. If you find yourself getting upset, it is time to take a break. You can let the emotions calm down, think about why you are so angry, and formulate the thoughts and feelings that you want to express to your partner. Sometimes we need 10 minutes, and sometimes we need a few days. In any situation, it is better to calm down before trying to deal with whatever is upsetting you.

There are lots of resources out there to help you deal with your emotions if you find yourself getting angry regularly, or getting angry over things that really aren’t that big of a deal. Talk to a counselor at school or at your local teen clinic. Talk to your friends, family, or therapist. Find another outlet for your energy, like sports, art, or music. Check out the resources below to learn more about anger management and healthy relationships.