The Mishna in Avos (5;11) says there are four "types" of characteristics, the first "is quick to anger and quick to appease, his positive is lost on the negative".

A person who is quick to anger people to tend to stay away from and don't want to interact with him. They are always fearful of his next unexpected outburst which might be for the smallest insignificant reason. This type of person, in his frequent fits of anger also makes himself look silly and foolish as our Sages say that when a person gets angry they lose the ability to reason logically. They can therefore say and do things that are totally irrational. This is even more profound when a person is easily angered as people see his anger is triggered by a seemingly trivial matter making him look that much more foolish.

Although some people may naturally be more angry this is usually a trait that they pick up from their environment and surroundings. If they easily erupt and begin screaming and yelling at the slightest thing that doesn't meet their approval this is most likely a learned behavior. The good thing is then a person can teach "himself" not to become angry as well.

The Mishna says that even if this person is quick to appease and settle down from his anger apologizing for his outburst, the fact that he is quick to anger overrides that positive aspect. The reason is very simple as many of us have seen and experienced words that are said in anger to another person can be extremely hurtful.  Even though the offender who said these words is quick to apologize, many times it is too late as the damage has already been done. In many cases the damage can be so hurtful that the emotional scars it leaves on the offended don't ever heal. The Mishna therefore says that the fact that this person is quick to appease is lost on the reality that he is quick to anger.

May we all be mindful of this reality with our friends, co-workers and especially our children and spouses. The closer we are to the person the more painful our words can be.

Shabbat Shalom,

Heath