Dear arguseyed:

I agree with Inky: it is both, resentment and self care.

Resentment is one of the words for anger. The message underneath anger is: I am in danger/ someone is hurting me or about to hurt me (more), I am getting ready to fight the danger/ the person. The purpose of anger is to take care of oneself. It is the case in humans and in other animals. It is a natural feeling and a good feeling, it serves us if we listen to its valid message.

And please do not have an intimate relation with anyone who is hurting you! No matter who they are.

Are you okay with being resentful or angry at those people? Have you been angry with them for many years, in some cases more than a decade? Would you like to share more about it? I would like to know more and to reply further.

anita