Viet Nam Vet With Road Rage

by Anonymous

I have a 7 year relationship. My friend has road rage, honks if another car does not start immediately from a light, honking, blinking lights, exploding (in car) etc. He also gets extremely frustrated when he cannot complete an act instantly. He shouts, swears LOUDLY but it only lasts a few seconds. He does not get physical. He was in Viet Nam. The rage is generally not directed at me, but from his inability to complete or start the task, getting keys from pocket, etc.

Response from Dr. DeFoore

Hello, and thanks for telling your story here. It sounds like your friend might be suffering from PTSD symptoms. If so, there isn't much you can do until or unless he does some work with his issues.

I suggest you look at these pages on relationships, and follow the recommendations you find there.

quotes on relationships

relationship problems

Being in the presence of another person's rage is traumatic, even if it is not directed at you. You are being traumatized in this relationship, and you must take care of yourself, or you will only add to his problems over time.

You might also want to recommend that your friend take a look at this page for war veterans with PTSD and this one on PTSD symptoms. If he's open, there is also this page on road rage.

Believe in yourself, and take good care of yourself so that you can bring your best to your friend.

My very best to you,

Dr. DeFoore

P.S. If you found this to be helpful, please consider making a donation to this site to support our mission to offer as much free help as possible.

P.P.S. If you got something of value here, We would also greatly appreciate it if you would provide a written testimonial about the site, Dr. DeFoore's help, or one of our products.