Step 2: Stay calm but warm

You might see the “dramatic” person as amping up the volume on their worry or outrage or weepiness, but if you want a true solution to the drama, you cannot do the same. Don’t get upset that they are upset (especially since, in some cases they may be subconsciously trying to draw you into the drama as well.)

Instead, it will make all the difference if you stay calm but warm. Notice that this is very, very different from coldly shutting things down or withdrawing to your “cave” (whether it is a man cave or a woman cave!) until the storm has passed. This means staying present, warm, and empathetic, but not agitated.

And, crucially, this pairs with what you do in Step 3.