Before Reacting, Ask Yourself…

Worst marriage advice ever:
“Never go to bed angry.”

Ah yes. Nothing says healthy conflict resolution quite like two exhausted humans trying to “work through it” at midnight.

You’re exhausted, barely ate today and that “quick conversation” has now entered hour two. And suddenly your brain decides this would be a great time to solve your entire relationship.
Perfect.

While we’re at it, maybe fire off that spicy email too. I’m sure Sharon intentionally CC’d your boss to undermine you professionally. Definitely don’t sleep on it. Respond immediately. See what happens.

And that text from your buddy you haven’t heard from in 3 weeks? Yeah, he probably hates you now. Couldn’t possibly be that he has kids, work stress and a life of his own.

Funny how many terrible decisions start feeling completely rational when we’re depleted.

Which is why I love the acronym: HALT.
Before reacting, ask yourself if you’re

H - Hungry
A - Angry
L - Lonely
T - Tired.

Or worse...all four at the same time.

This slide might be worth printing somewhere visible: desk, bathroom mirror, phone wallpaper.

HALT has saved me from turning temporary emotions into permanent damage and honestly…half the time the answer isn’t an immediate conversation.

It’s a sandwich and 8 hours of sleep. 😂 🦬