How to Deal With an Adult's Temper Tantrum

It’s bad enough when a 3-year-old kicks and screams and turns red in the face when he doesn’t get his way. It’s even worse when this happens to an adult. An adult throwing a temper tantrum has to be one of the ugliest scenes you can witness, right behind roadkill. You can effectively deal with an adult’s temper tantrum with a few steps—and a straight face.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Refrain from laughing. No matter how idiotic, silly or downright hilarious a raging adult may appear, laughing will only make it worse.
2. Keep calm and keep your distance. Never interfere with a raging adult unless they are coming at you with a stick. Then block the stick.
3. Remove yourself from the situation. If you can physically walk away, go for it. If not, mentally envision yourself wafting high above their outburst and watching it unfold below.
4. Help pick up the pieces. This step only applies if the person is a coworker or friend of yours. Once the person has calmed down, soothe their nerves and, if you feel they are up to it, even joke about their garish display of emotion.

Tips & Warnings

• If this is a friend of yours and it happens often, you may want to suggest counseling.
• If this is your boss and it happens often, you may want to look for a new job.
• If this is a total stranger on the street and it happens often, you may want to walk down a different street.
• Don’t get sucked into their anger pit or a yelling match.