It's essential to take your girlfriend's fear seriously and address the issue of your anger in a responsible and constructive manner. Here are some steps you can take to work on managing your anger and rebuilding trust in the relationship:
Acknowledge the Problem: Recognize that you have an anger issue that is negatively impacting your relationship. Accepting this fact is the first step towards making positive changes.
Take Responsibility: Accept full responsibility for your actions and their consequences. Avoid blaming others or external circumstances for your anger.
Seek Professional Help: Consider seeking support from a mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor, who can help you understand the root causes of your anger and provide strategies to manage it effectively.
Anger Management Techniques: Learn and practice anger management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, mindfulness, or physical activities like exercise to help you cope with your emotions in healthier ways.
Take Time-Outs: When you feel your anger escalating, step away from the situation to cool down. Taking a break can prevent harmful behaviors and allow you to approach the issue more calmly later on.
Open Communication: Talk openly and honestly with your girlfriend about your efforts to change. Reassure her that you are taking her concerns seriously and actively working on improving yourself.
Avoid Aggression: Make a conscious effort to avoid aggressive behavior, both physically and verbally. Practice patience and understanding when disagreements arise.
Set Boundaries: Collaboratively set boundaries with your girlfriend about what behavior is acceptable. Respect these boundaries and hold yourself accountable for adhering to them.
Apologize and Make Amends: If you've hurt your girlfriend in the past due to your anger, apologize sincerely, and show through your actions that you are committed to change.
Be Patient and Persistent: Changing deep-seated patterns of behavior takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself, but remain persistent in your commitment to self-improvement.
Remember that rebuilding trust may take time, and it's essential to demonstrate consistent change and growth over the long term. If your anger issues stem from past traumas or unresolved emotional baggage, working through those underlying issues with a professional can be especially beneficial.
Lastly, if you find that you are struggling to manage your anger effectively or if it continues to negatively impact your relationship despite your efforts, consider seeking help and support from mental health experts who can provide personalized guidance and support.