Been there. Sucks. All my usual ways of calming myself need peace and quiet so now that I have kids they are useless. I just swallow the rage along with a few cocktails and pizzas. Maybe a bong hit. Healthy? Probably not but it'll have to do for now.

@1 - "For now"? Until when? Until you don't have kids? Until something essential inside you dies?

I've never heard someone use the expression "ready to tackle the world" and literally mean tackle the next person they see.

What an excellent role model for your child.

It's amazing how often I get those two mixed up. "Die! Die in a pain and agony! Oh, sorry, I meant to wish you a nice day."

@5, I know what you mean -- the other day I meant to say "pass the salt, dear" but it came out as "you fucking bitch you've ruined my life!"

I'd mostly given up on I, Anon since it went digital. But rather enjoyed this one.

@3 I agree fucking brilliant on the part of the LW.

@1 Sometimes you do what you have to so you can keep being there. Kids can make you crazy. But do the right by them and you won't regret it.

Fighting in the car (to the point of suicidal feelings) on the way to see Santa... sounds like my childhood. All the joy was sucked out of every event by my parents escalating some petty disagreement into a raging fight, usually in the car, but sometimes right before we left so we could spend the car ride in oppressive, nauseating silence. I'm sure that kid had a great time pretending to have fun visiting Santa.

/projection

This is the kind of behavior that the Stranger thinks is cool. You can do anything you want. Just say you are sorry, and then you don't have to be responsible for the damage.

@12 - yes, why isn't everyone everywhere in total control of their emotions and actions, like you?