Why don’t people behave aggressively? Drivers pound their horns, co-workers make biting remarks, and close relationship partners criticize. Yet people rarely behave aggressively. Self-control helps make that possible. This talk will discuss a program of research that discusses the importance of self-control in understanding aggression between strangers and romantic partners. Discussion will center on personality, social, and biological factors related to self-control that can increase or reduce a person’s risk for aggression.