When you receive an emotional message, whether positive or negative, wait before responding. Your initial reaction is often not your best response. Give yourself time to process and think before you reply.
This buffer might be an hour, a day, or longer depending on the situation. The key is to respond when you are calm and thoughtful, not when you are reactive. This leads to better communication and better outcomes.
This practice also prevents escalation. When someone sends an emotional message and you respond immediately with emotion, the situation can escalate. When you wait and respond thoughtfully, you can de-escalate and find solutions.
The next time you receive an emotional message, wait before responding. Give yourself time to think. Then craft a thoughtful reply. Notice how this changes the quality of your communication.