Synonyms for Quarrel: | argument, disagreement, squabble, fight, dispute, wrangle, clash,altercation, feud, contretemps, disputation, falling-out,shouting match |
On Christmas day I went for a quick bike ride. It was a beautiful day, sunny but cool. I rode up and down hills, one very steep one that included a small dog who ran out and chased me, nipping at my tires, until I stopped my bike and shouted at him. Once back on the main road, I noticed that I had knocked my rear view mirror askew, and just as I was adjusting it(as I rode), WHOOSH, a bicyclist zoomed by me. Seconds later, another did the same, leaving only a foot or so between us as he passed. "Call to Signal!" I shouted out, and then added, as loudly as I could to his rapidly retreating back, "Asshole!".
What was interesting was the amount of anger this small incident generated. Not signaling happens all the time, and usually I just let it go. For a little while I even tried to catch up to the second bicyclist-why-I'm not sure. Did I think I would pull him off his bike and beat him? Fortunately, I couldn't catch him. I suspect my anger, even though justified, had more to do with other things. It was "the Holidays", which means trying to be some odd configuration of someone you're not really-jolly, mellow, full of joy, etc. etc. My husband and I had argued earlier in the day, and ended up both furiously cleaning the house instead of talking. I had thought the ride would clear me out and calm me down, but it appears the real me still needed to purge the "other" Holly. I was somewhat grumpy and sullen for the rest of the day, but eventually returned to my normal-not jolly or mellow-self.