There's 3 types or stages for me: frustration > anger > rage.

My experience is different to the other responses, so maybe there's a gender difference? IDK, but bad tempers definitely run in my family.

Frustration results in me being a bit of a bitch. When I'm angry I'll either be stone cold or a bit of a cunt. Both are limited to verbal remarks and I am able to control the urge to yell.

Rage is when I've lost all self control. It's all-consuming and feels like a physical agitation throughout my body. Letting it out only makes it worse for me, like stoking the fire instead of putting it out. It ends when I'm physically and emotionally exhausted, and then the self-loathing sets in.

I've worked really hard on the issues that trigger my temper, and it's been a while since I lost it. Making sure I calm myself down before I become enraged is the solution.

People who deliberately try to get a reaction out of me get one though. I can't pretend I feel bad about letting rip on someone who's asking for it.