Nimetic

That sounds reasonable.

There are different levels I'd expect... I'd personally consider isolated cases quite differently to ones which are repeated.

Hmm. Yeah. That's a bit over-the-top.

The only part that I can understand or explain in any way is that us guys, sometimes have (I think) more primitive anger reactions. If you push us verbally, we (occasionally) get to a point where we need to escape or find some release.

I'm thinking that dependant on personality and so on, some people hit that limit much faster and have less control. And then too... male sports often teach us to react physically to assault of various kinds.

But as lurkette said, there's a difference between loosing control, which is somewhat of a defensive 'attack' instinct (even if it causes disproportionate damage against an unusually small attacker) and premeditated threats.

I would expect that one reaction comes from a primitive "place". Animals struggling for dominance/survival. The other comes from manipulative thinking and morals or lack of.

My suggestion (which is probably useless) is to see the first as a trait that can be dealt with... explore issues slowly and care. It's unexpected and sustained attack that, for me, causes a primitive anger reaction. If someone talks slower and gives me time, this does not occur (ie I'll consider the criticism logically).

For the second case... er. Dunno. A course in philosophy maybe?