“When thou hast been compelled by circumstances to be disturbed in a manner, quickly return to thyself and do not continue out of tune longer than the compulsion lasts; for thou wilt have more mastery over the harmony by continually recurring to it.”
Marcus Aurelius — Meditations, c. 180 CEVI.11English translation by George LongRead the source ↗
A pause can protect the conversation.
When a disagreement gets heated, continuing immediately isn't always the clearest way to be heard. Asking for a break can give both people room to return more deliberately; naming when you'll revisit it helps distinguish a pause from simply disappearing.
ONE SMALL STEP
Suggest a short break and a specific time to continue.