How do I become less angry?

[money78]

I have been bullied since Kindergarten and now I'm in my early 20s I have neibourghs that bully me everyday that live next door to me. I get angry at my mum and call her for everything. How do I stop being this way? I feel like I've become a bully myself and I dont mean to be.

[mammo]

I guess moving is out of the question?  You can't let a 9 year old get to you, even if he keeps bringing something up, who is listening to him?  You're done with it and I don't think I'd care about what any of them think.  As for the dogs, if they're barking and he yells at them, they don't care, you are the only one it's bothering.  A nine year old is playing you, and you cannot allow yourself to get caught up in this.  Ignore, ignore, ignore.....everything.  Any attention given to this boy or his family is exactly what they want, and you're giving it to them.  It's a very difficult situation but unless you can move, you have got to ignore these people.  It sounds like it's all verbal, so why bother?  Your dogs don't know that they're being called names, let them bark at the punk kid. He obviously has his own issues and is looking for any kind of attention, even if it's bad.  People and especially kids do things for attention and affect, and if they get it, they will continue with what they're doing.  Don't look thier way, ignore their words, act as if they don't exist.  They are trying to get a reaction from you and if they do, it's game on!  So, don't lower yourself to their level, be happy when outside where they can see and hear you, whistle, play with your dogs, enjoy life in spite of them.  Take care.

[money78]

I have this neighbours kid who doesnt care about anything even a old joke he keeps bringing it back as if its still new to him but is as old as the hills. He is only 9 and keeps telling my dogs to shut up every time he goes past our front gate and he calls them fn cs. What should I do? We've told the police but they think we done it because the neighbours told them lies and they lie through their teeth all the time and they lie their ways out of everything. The mother is a prostitute, drug adict and so is her whole family she is also an alcoholic and smoker. She has been in trouble with the police alot and the housing dept wont kick her out. She makes out shes not home when the police knock on her door. Shes inside behind the front door laughing and keeping quiet.

[WarriorMomma]

Running and exercise will release endorphins (euphoric hormones).
Keep a journal, let out your anger there. Write a letter to the people you have bullied or who bullied you. Kill mean people with kindness. NOTHING gets on bullies nerves more than someone NOT REACTING. I struggled with anger for many of my adolescent, teen and early twenties.
Always remember: "The Rule of the Garbage Truck." Not sure who wrote it and couldn’t find it online but here is a brief point…
He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustrations, full of anger and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally.
Just smile, wave, wish them well and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home or on the streets.
The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so ...
Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't. Life is 10 percent of what you make it and 90% of how you take it.

[mammo]

You need to understand bullies.  People bully others as a way to feel big or better about themselves, so they are the ones with a problem, not you. You cannot allow their behavior to define who and what you are!  The most effective way to handle a bully is by ignoring them, totally.  When you do this, it is no longer fun for them and they will find someone else to pick on.  They are looking for attention and when they don't get a reaction out of you, then you win!  I'm sure you're not a bully just harboring some anger, so try to let this go by knowing how pathetic bullies actually are.  When your neighbors see that you don't even notice they're there or hear them, they will find another way to entertain themselves.  When we are angry we sometimes take it out on those closest to us, and for you it's mom.  She doesn't deserve this and I feel you don't like doing it.  She is the one who will always be there for you so try not to take this out on her.  Have you thought of getting a dog?  They are great companions and it's a great way to meet the nicer people in your neighborhood.  If this anger from being bullied is strong I would suggest seeing a therapist to help you to deal with the past and cope with it now.  You're young and still trying to find your place in this world, so don't be too hard on yourself.  Take care...

[AnnieBrooke]

Part of the issue might just be your age ... in my late teens and early 20s, I think I was the crabbiest I have ever been in my life, and looking back I think it was hormonal.  We're designed to separate from our parents then, and it's possibly one of the natural evolutionary ways our bodies have to make this happen.  Not that this makes it nice or all right, especially if you are being awful to someone who matters to you.

My suggestion is to change what you can about your living situation and what you are doing with your time.  Get your own place if you can.  If not, get out and do something like volunteering with the animal shelter or somewhere that gives you happiness (for me it was always working with animals, which is why I suggested it, but if that would just be distressing, forget that idea!)  There are always volunteer opportunities at any venue that exists, even companies that are in business to make money often have places where interns who will work for free are welcome.  I know someone who works at the local club with the bands who come in, he does it for free but he loves it because he is so into music.  Just tossing out suggestions.  

Anyway, change your pattern and you will help yourself change your mood.