Every woman has a tiny inner MTG inside.

I have an emotional part that can make me behave in a way I am not proud of. There are certain buttons in me, oh my… better not to push them. Right now, a lot of them are directly linked to Ukraine.

I recall when I was attending Ukraine Action Summit, there was a Jewish guy who stopped to discuss the topic. High profile advocate for Israel, he started talking about how important it is to send support to Israel, and that he and a group of others met with the Speaker couple days ago, and he shared that Israel is of a crucial importance, but as for Ukraine, he doesn't think we need to spend money on it. I felt like dropping to the ground and crying. Trying to control my emotions, I leaned to the tree in front of the Longworth building, breathing like a fish pulled out of water. Thanks God, there was another Ukrainian advocate nearby, as he said, “Ukrainian by choice” (no Ukrainian blood), he looked at me and instantly read the situation. He started speaking, in a calm and logical manner, giving all the arguments I wanted to use but couldn`t. So, I was standing there with my banner silently praying that God will bless this guy and his family.

I do want to learn to behave calmly and logically when triggered. I have to admit it`s quite a challenge. Thoughtfully expressed anger can be a powerful tool in discussion but been seen as a hysterical woman… no thank you. Plus, all your arguments get dismissed because you are “too emotional”.

Well one thing that works without fail is someone else who can speak up so I can keep my mouth shut.

Another approach that I want to try is getting a deeper understanding of the topic. I wanna take a course about information wars and propaganda, to be able to see clearly the narratives artificially fabricated for not-so-easily-seen purposes. Self-awareness also helps, and in some cases it`s better to simply withdraw...