If (decision !== 0) {action = actOfLove; return positiveConsequence} else {return emotionalDamage}

We of capable and sound minds choose our actions. Every choice/decision has a consequence. Every consequence has a value — a price. Decision then action then consequence is a loop that limits or multiplies the decisions available to restart the loop.

When an action taken with someone close to us results in an expensive (damaging) consequence, that other someone is given something to heal from. Additionally, they’re forced to decide how vulnerable they’ll remain to receive similar damage again. As it goes, forgiveness and patience are choices.

Measure the consequences of actions available to you. Do it before taking the action. As easily as it can be done on a multiple choice test, it can be done in our interactions with people.

🤓

You’re right to wonder why didn’t I use weigh consequences in place of measure. Weighing a thing is measuring it. If I use measure, my analogy stays loose. Then, a reader can imagine a scale, a tape measure, a thermometer, etc.