Messages that are hard to write.
WHERE IT HELPS
Structuring what you want to say Drafting something to react to Finding a calmer way to put something Checking whether you sound how you intend
FOR A DIFFICULT MESSAGE
"I need to tell [person] that [situation]. I want to be honest without making it worse."
A draft removes the blank page, which is usually the obstacle.
WHAT TO ALWAYS DO
Rewrite it in your own words.
A personal message that reads as generated is worse than a clumsy one you wrote.
FOR WHEN YOU ARE ANGRY
"Here is what I want to send. How would this be received? Rewrite it so it is firm without being hostile."
Genuinely useful. Most regretted messages were sent in the first version.
WHAT NOT TO DO
Send anything personal unedited Use it for messages where the point is that you wrote them
THAT LAST POINT
Condolences, apologies, and anything emotionally significant.
The recipient can usually tell, and it damages rather than helps.
THE USEFUL LIMIT
Use it to think. Write the message yourself.
