← Back to Repair
Re-entry script
Do not leave it like that
You do not need to fix the whole fight now. Come back into the room, acknowledge how you left it, and resist pretending nothing happened.
Before you start
Make sure this fits the moment
- Best used when
- The immediate heat has dropped and you can own your part without following it with a counter-attack.
- Not for
- Threats, intimidation, coercion, physical danger, or an apology you plan to use as a hook for blame.
Take it in order
The repair
- 01
Say what you did
Keep this sentence about your behaviour, not what the other person made you do.
- 02
Explain without excusing
You can say that you were hurt, overwhelmed, cornered, or needed a break. The explanation does not erase the impact.
- 03
Leave room for their response
They do not owe you warmth. Coming back sincerely is enough for now.
Change the words to sound like you
A line to borrow if you need one
Start here
“I have been thinking about how I spoke to you earlier. That is not how I want to handle things with you.”
Close here
“You do not have to answer now. I just did not want to leave it like that.”
Watch-outs
What will make this worse
- Any version of ‘but you made me’ cancels the ownership.
- Leave the full case for the return conversation.
- An apology that still blames is not an apology.