Emotion · Anger family
Resentment
noun
Anger that has been stored instead of spoken — a hurt you keep replaying because it was never acknowledged or repaired.
How it shows up in the body
A heavy chest, a bitter taste in conversation, tension that returns every time you see the person or think of the event.
What it is telling you
A wrong was not named, a need was not met, or a boundary was never set. Resentment is a bill that is still unpaid.
The urge — and the choice
To keep score, withdraw, or punish quietly. The choice is to name it, ask for repair, or consciously decide to let it go.
One thing to try
Write down the original hurt in one sentence, the need underneath it, and one request you could still make.
Practice it: Repair conversation.
Words you can use
Something from before is still sitting with me. Can we talk about it so I can stop carrying it?
Read more: Relationship management
