Mixed Signals · No. 14
What does “I just need some time to think” mean?
From Avery, your partner, after an argument about money
I just need some time to think.
It could mean
- Pulling away from you
- Overwhelmed, and wanting to come back calmer
- Hurt, and needing space before talking
What was going on
Avery felt overwhelmed and wanted to come back calmer, not to pull away. They planned to talk again the next evening.
This message and its story are made up. Real messages don’t come with the story.Ask before you answer
Text loses tone, so a short message can read harsher, or softer, than it was meant. Before you answer, ask what they meant. That’s Check before assuming, one of the principles Porcupine is built on.
Got a real text like this? Run a Quills Check.
Paste it. I’ll show you a few ways it could be read, and what you could ask instead of guessing. Writing your own? Switch to “I’m sending it” and I’ll show you if the quills are up.
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Find the words with Porcupine
The Quills Check helps with one text. Porcupine helps with the whole conversation, from what you ask through their reply. It’s coming soon, and we’ll let you know when it’s ready.
Every message and story in Mixed Signals is made up.