When I can feel a meltdown starting to brew over text, I have learned I can’t just will myself into wise mind. I need a full on break. So I keep a screenshot of the Notes app ready to explain what’s going on, get myself some space, and give the other person some reassurance that I care about having a safe conversation:

If you are reading this, I Am Freaking Out and I Need To Calm Down. 

Sometimes my emotional reactions can be so strong that I lose touch with the facts of a situation. I may be feeling attacked, unsafe, or abandoned. These feelings are very real and intense regardless of whether they fit the situation, so I have to wait for them to pass before I can react as a human woman instead of an orb of fire. 

I’ll be back after this emotion has passed. When I return I will probably feel embarrassed and a bit confused, but grateful for your patience. Thank you!

With an appropriate amount of love,
&lt;my name&gt;