Thisness

I don’t know if this makes any sense but, ‘react’ and ‘respond’ are not synonymous.

For me a reaction is something instantaneous and conditioned, whereas a response is slower and considered.

The former is a basic, unnuanced form of expression whereas the latter allows for all the subtleties of respectful communication.

Each have their place but I think we get ourselves into all sorts of avoidable conflict by thinking we’re responding when we’re actually reacting.