I just started seeing someone. Very recently. He's normally been very communicative but didn't text me at all today. 

I spiraled and curled up in a little ball and fought the urge to break it off or say something mean / passive aggressive - "oh, I see, you don't like me anymore. Guess that's how long it took" - or something to that effect. I was *convinced* he just decided he didn't like me and disappeared. 

**Finally he reached out and said his friend died in a car crash today.** 

If I had sent that text, it would have really hurt him and added to his problems. 

So, I just thought it would be useful as a general reminder to practice your skills. Don't react immediately. Abide by the 36-hour rule (don't act on something until 36 hours has passed and you're still convinced of it). 

Easier said than done, I know. I'm STILL sitting here paranoid about whether I said the right words to comfort him and STILL paranoid that he doesn't like me. I wish I could stop being so selfish and self-absorbed, but I know the most I can do is at least not act on impulses that are fueled by those feelings. 

Hopefully this is a quick, helpful post to someone. 