If you normally go quiet when you get angry, you may not relate

Opening Scene

The room is softly lit by the warm glow of a table lamp, casting gentle shadows as the evening sets in. Outside, the city fades into a quiet rhythm, the usual noise of the day turning to stillness. Jack sits at the table, a mug of tea in his hands, staring thoughtfully at the contents of a book. Jeeny stands near the window, looking out at the city below. There’s a sense of reflection in the air, as though the conversation is about to explore something deeper about human nature and the ways we relate to others.

Host: After a few moments of quiet, Jeeny turns, her voice calm but filled with reflection, breaking the silence.

Jeeny: “I came across a quote by Jaideep Ahlawat that made me really think. He said, ‘If you normally go quiet when you get angry, you may not relate to a character that reacts very differently. But if you see someone internalising the anger like you do, you will immediately identify with him or her. It’s these small things that penetrate your psyche and make you relate at a deeper level.’ It made me think about how we often relate to others based on how they react to emotions, especially anger. What do you think about that? How much do you think our ability to relate to characters, or people, depends on how they handle emotions like anger?”

Jack: “That’s such an insightful quote. I think Ahlawat is touching on something really fundamental: the universality of human emotion. The way people express their anger, or any emotion, can create a huge divide or bridge between us. For example, if you’re someone who tends to internalize anger, you may struggle to relate to someone who reacts outwardly — someone who shouts or lashes out. But if you see someone process and hold in that anger in the same way, suddenly there’s this immediate connection. You understand them at a deeper level because their experience mirrors yours.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. It’s like when you watch a character in a film or show, and they react to something in a way that feels like an extension of your own emotional response. That connection happens because it resonates with your experience. We all have our own coping mechanisms when it comes to emotions, especially strong ones like anger, and seeing someone else go through it in a similar way can be deeply comforting. It’s almost like we’re given permission to feel our own emotions without judgement.”

Jack: “I agree. And I think that’s why we connect so strongly with characters who express emotions in ways that we understand. Whether it’s through film, books, or even real-life situations, we empathize with the characters who don’t just show their anger outwardly, but carry it inside. It’s a kind of unspoken bond. And when a character is handling anger the way we do, it’s almost like we’re not alone in feeling that way. It creates a sense of validation — this is how I feel, and someone else feels it too.”

Host: The conversation deepens, as both Jack and Jeeny reflect on the subtle but powerful connection that happens when emotions are expressed or internalized in ways we recognize in ourselves. Jack places his mug down, clearly considering the larger implications of Ahlawat’s quote, while Jeeny sits closer, her voice steady as she continues.

Jeeny: “And it’s not just about anger — it’s all kinds of emotions. How someone grieves, how they process fear, how they hope or even doubt — it’s those small, human details that create connections. The more a character feels authentic in how they experience those emotions, the more we see ourselves in them. And when we identify with them, it makes their journey or their story feel so much more impactful. The same goes for people we encounter in our daily lives. We often relate to others on the basis of those shared emotional experiences, even if we don’t talk about them directly.”

Jack: “Right. It’s like the subtlety of emotion that makes all the difference. The way a person handles something like anger or stress — even in the most quiet or internalized ways — can reveal so much about their character. And when we see that, we’re not just seeing their actions; we’re seeing their humanity. It’s in those moments of internal conflict that we see a depth of experience. The emotional undercurrent creates this silent bond between us and them.”

Jeeny: “And I think that’s why authenticity in storytelling — whether it’s in a book, film, or even in our own relationships — is so powerful. When emotions are portrayed in ways that feel real and relatable, it allows us to connect with others at a much deeper level. It’s like seeing ourselves reflected in someone else’s journey. And that kind of connection is what really makes stories or experiences meaningful.”

Jack: “Exactly. It’s when we see the humanity in others — in how they react, how they cope, how they feel — that we build empathy. And it’s that empathy that deepens the connection. The more we understand someone’s internal struggle or emotional journey, the more we are able to see them as real, complex individuals. And I think Ahlawat’s point about identifying with a character because they internalize their anger is a great example of how those small things — those subtle, human traits — really impact how we connect.”

Host: The room feels quieter now, as if the weight of their reflections has settled between them. Outside, the world continues, but inside, Jack and Jeeny share a realization: it’s the small, relatable details of how we experience emotions that create deep, meaningful connections. Whether through characters in a story or real-life relationships, understanding how others process their feelings — especially the more difficult ones like anger — allows us to relate to them on a more profound level.

Jeeny: “So, maybe the lesson here is that the small emotional details — the ways we internalize our anger, grief, or other emotions — are the things that help us connect with others on a deeper level. It’s about understanding and identifying with someone’s emotional journey, even if we don’t outwardly express it the same way.”

Jack: “Exactly. It’s about finding those subtle moments of shared humanity, the quiet struggles that we all face. The more we can recognize and empathize with how others handle those emotions, the stronger our connection becomes.”

Host: As the evening continues, the conversation settles into a quiet understanding. It’s the small, subtle ways we process emotions — both in stories and in real life — that create powerful connections. When we relate to others through shared emotional experiences, we find a deeper, more authentic understanding of one another. And in that understanding, we find the true power of empathy and human connection.