DIFFICULT CONVERSATION - PAUSE AND RETURN AGREEMENT
Use only for a voluntary conversation where making a shared plan is safe.
This is an original planning aid, not a contract or a clinical assessment.

One topic to revisit:
What remains unresolved:
Why a pause is needed, in plain language:
What I am stopping now:
What I can realistically offer next:
Next step - full conversation or scheduling/readiness check-in:
Proposed day and date:
Proposed clock time and time zone if needed:
Other person's agreed time or alternative:
Channel or place:
Amount of time available:
Person who will initiate the agreed check-in:
How we will update the plan if unavailable:
What we will leave out of messages during the break:
First question when we return:
One next action, if we reach that point:
When a different support route is needed:

Example:
Topic: deciding between two travel dates
Next step: readiness check-in, not a promised final decision
Time: Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., our shared local time
Channel: phone
Initiator: the person who asked for the pause, if both agree
If unavailable: send one scheduling update when safely possible
Opening: "Is now workable? What is your main concern about the dates?"

An unaccepted proposal is not an agreement.
Do not use this sheet to require someone to keep talking, disclose a location,
share private health details, or remain in contact when that is unsafe.
You may keep a private copy; no submission is requested by the website.