I prefer to respond, thoughtfully and with care, than merely react.

Particularly in emotional situations, a knee-jerk reaction can fall short of the ideal response. We’re humans with a highly evolved threat response that favours quick reactions, though. How to overcome that?

Preparation and practice.

This can be communicating expectations clearly and early on. It might be repeated scenario exposure so you learn to choose a response. Perhaps mentally rehearsing conversations, curious as to how to reach the best outcome.

Preparation.

Practice.

Better than leaving things to a chance reaction.

Kindly, keep going.