Respond, don't react
A feeling is real information, but it isn't proof. Test the story first, then choose words you'll still stand behind tomorrow.
Choosing your words is a skill, not a personality trait — and skills get easier with practice.
Thought checker
Answer whichever ones bite.
- What am I assuming here?
- Could there be another explanation?
- Am I treating a feeling as proof?
- If my best friend told me this story, what would I say to them?
- What do I actually know versus what am I filling in?
- Will this matter to me in a week?
Something you could say
Cycle through, then edit it into your own voice.
“I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed right now. Can we talk about this in 20 minutes once I've cleared my head?”