Say it out loud if it’s kind. Put it in writing if it’s important.

The two kinds of message need different containers. Warmth works best spoken, where your voice carries most of the meaning and nobody is scanning for the exact wording. Agreements, deadlines and anything with a number need to exist somewhere you can both look at later, because memory is generous to whoever is remembering.

Try moving one thing in each direction this week. The compliment you were going to text, say instead. The plan you agreed with somebody out loud, send in two lines so you both have it.