i went through a period of about a year where i hit my wife. she would hit smack me or yell at me so i would punch her in the arm or something. it wasn't hard but it was enough to scare the shit out of me and her. i couldn't control myself from doing it. my dad beat the living hell from me when i was a child and im not blaming him but i think it didnt help. i felt like shit immediately after doing these things. i havent done it in about 3 years and im glad she stuck with me.