J is for Jekyll... and Hyde....or Jugular

In my younger years-not all that long ago, but long enough ago- I was a total Jekyll and Hyde depending on my moods, the situation, the people involved, etc.  It's true.  Mostly, if things were going well, I was Dr. Jekyll.  But, as soon as someone pissed me off I became angry, it was Mrs. Hyde all the way.  My anger button was on a very short fuse and I doubt that anyone could foretell which personality they were going to encounter.  There was no calming of the nerves; no deep breathing; no hesitation.  Just a short path straight to Mrs. Hyde.  In other words, I can throw one out of control conniption fit when angry.  And, as most southerners know, a conniption fit is far worse than a hissy fit.  When someone is having a conniption fit, it's best to leave the area- speedy quick. In a jiff.  Faster than lightning- I think you get the idea.  Mine would start with an increase in heart rate--a noticeable increase in heart rate.  Next, the breathing would become rapid and heavy---like a bull about to charge.  The temper boiled over and then, the tongue lashing of a lifetime would commence- I was jugular bound.  Of course, Hubs was a regular recipient of Mrs. Hyde.  But, before you feel sorry for him, let me assure you that he is quite capable of giving Mr. Hyde a run for his money.  We like to call this FIERY PASSION instead of hot-headed or some other quite unflattering name.

As I have aged, I notice that I have gained more control over Mrs. Hyde.  Ok, in the last few years, I have calmed Mrs. Hyde down considerably for fear of giving myself a heart attack.  Now, it takes a great deal to set her off.  My temper fuse has increased in length so that, if it burns down, someone is very stupidly asking for it.  For the most part, I just don't see the need to 'go-off' unless the situation is going to cause harm to another or if an injustice is being committed...that kind of thing.  I could almost say that, for the most part, Mrs. Hyde has ceased to exist.  A more even tempered, tolerant, smarter, less selfish me has emerged.

At least, until menopause hits.  Crap.

This is the 10th day of the A-Z Blog Challenge for the month of April.  I decided to try this challenge in the hopes of keeping some momentum going; getting my brain to stay warmed-up; and trytrytry to improve my writing--well, really, to find my voice.  Just click the badge on my sidebar to join in the challenge!