Do you know of any psychological "tricks" that work for good purposes?

I've read these tips once. When someone is enraged for some reason, you can calm them down by doing the following:

At first, try to match their tone of voice.

Talk as if you're mad too, while NOT disagreeing with them at this point.

If you truly agree then express your agreement and support readily. It will make them feel as if you've got their back.

Then gradually tone your voice down and de-escalate.

Table are turned.

They will (subconsciously) try to mimic your tone now.

Eventually try to distract them from the topic that angered them in the 1st place to help them lighten up a bit. Humor can work well here.

You may address the issue with them later in a more logical way, after they've calmed down.

Well, I've tried this on the people that I care about and it's worked very well indeed.

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Elinoria · 100+, F

That's interesting. I don't often deal with irate people.
My first inclination is to leave them screaming & kicking their feet on the floor of a grocery store-which is usually where I'd find them.

SW-User

@Elinoria I use that method selectively – only with the ones that matter to me. Because it definitely requires some level of empathy and patience.

Elinoria · 100+, F

@SW-User Makes sense.
Where do you draw the line?
If someone I cared about had a rageful meltdown on me, I'd be questioning their sanity first, then mine second-for allowing that kind of treatment.

SW-User

@Elinoria I draw the line if they become abusive or violent. If it's just them voicing their irritation or venting their fury in a harmless way *to me* then I'd intervene and try to calm them down because extended anger can be harmful *to them*.

Elinoria · 100+, F

@SW-User You have more patience than I.
There's a way to express irritation without rageful meltdowns.
If I tolerate it then I become a sounding board for future bullsh!t.
It's like the neighbor's dog barking at 2 am.or a spoiled child trying to get attention.
I just don't like it.

SW-User

@Elinoria Indeed. I have patience if I care about the person. Anger is a natural emotion and sometimes it just can't be avoided or suppressed. As I said I wouldn't take that extra mile with random people. Patience is part of love.

Elinoria · 100+, F

l@SW-User Agreed.
I don't have people in my life that express their anger at something/someone in a rageful way.
That is on purpose.