I've since been very aware of just how much I do grit them. When I'm cross. Frustrated. Irritated. Stopping myself saying things.
Gritting has been an effective way of me manageing and releasing emtional pressure. It's like the release valve on a pressure cooker.
I know this, because not being able to grit them means it's much harder for me to let things go, to let them pass over my head. Today I found myself mentally screaming.
[For clarity, I wasn't actually screaming. I was screaming in my head.]
Despite making no sound, it was deafening. I felt like I was a child having a tantrum.
My husband, who had inadvertently caused me to start screaming, had no idea. He carried on talking to me, and the screaming got louder.
Later, when I'd got myself under control, I found my jaw was aching. I've had it ache occasionally when I've had to grit my teeth for an extended period, but this is the first time I've had it ache from me trying so hard not to grit them.
I need to find another way to manage.
