When Mr. Utterson thought of his old friend Harry Jekyll, he pictured a smooth, jovial face that radiated kindness. But when he looked into the pale face and displeasing smile of the mysterious Edward Hyde, he saw “a sort of murderous mixture of timidity and boldness.” As he warned Jekyll, “if ever I read Satan’s signature on a face, it is on that of your new friend.”

But as anyone who’s read Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novella or seen one of the many film adaptations knows, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde were one in the same.

We may never have kept company with physicians who experimented on themselves with strange potions, but we’ve probably all known at least one person who seemed to have dramatically different personalities depending on the cycle of the moon or which way the wind was blowing. And with all the stresses we’re under these days, it’s just possible we sometimes give off a little Jekyll-and-Hyde vibe ourselves.

So how can we make sure the people we live and work with don’t start wondering whether they’ve allowed a monster into their midst? Remember these tips:

• Walk away.  Whether it’s an employee, boss, spouse, the kids, a grocery clerk … when you feel your temper reaching the eruption point, just say, “Oh, I forgot …” and take off like the building’s on fire. Your audience will be caught too off guard to react before you escape, and it’s quicker and easier than saying, “I need a breather or I’m going to go Jackie Chan on you.” Find a bathroom, storage closet, or parked car where you can have some private time to gather your thoughts, take a deep breath, pound your head on a wall. Then reappear when you’re sure you won’t lose it and make those around you think you’re morphing into your satanic twin.

• Stay focused. Don’t transport the craziness from one part of your life into another. If your boss makes you want to scream, leave it at work to avoid frightening your family. If your kids have you pulling your hair out, try not to shed on your coworkers. You’ll seem less neurotic if you can be fully present in the activity of the moment rather than being torn between what you’re doing and something unrelated.

• Be honest.  This is a biggie. If you do not have time, energy, or resources to take on another project, SAY SO. It is not a sin to say “no” when you are overwhelmed. You cannot be all things to all people. And when you try to be all things to all people, you will let someone down. The sad thing is that it probably will be the people you least want to let down: those closest to you. Learn to prioritize so you don’t wind up roaming the streets, howling at the moon while your friends and family shake their heads and wonder what happened to the gentle soul they once knew.