Staircase wit - thinking of the perfect comeback or response after the conversation has ended.
Example:
Lying in bed replaying an argument thinking 'I should have said...' with the perfect response.
Valence-Arousal Position
Physiological Effects:
See details below
Reflection Tip:
Notice this reveals what you wanted to communicate - perhaps there's still time to say it.
De-escalation Tip:
Accept that perfect responses rarely come in the moment - give yourself grace for being human.
Self-Judgment Tip:
This frustration shows you care about communication and being understood.
Normalization Tip:
French named this because it's universal - we ALL think of better replies after the fact.
Total Reflections
24
Average Intensity
6.8
Date Range
11/6/2025 - 12/6/2025
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