v1 speed

In aviation, V1 speed is defined as the “point of no return” where a pilot has to continue the takeoff and deal with any issue after.

I think it parallels extremely intense emotions. Before that, sane advice might still reach the heart and we can still resort to reasoning. After a certain threshold, a thick deep cloud engulfs the person affected. Regardless of how good our intention is, sometimes the only feasible way is to let it run its course.

It can be very disheartening to see someone on the verge of breakdown, just like tiptoeing at the edge of a cliff. Yet certain emotions, once crossed over V1, are like a fiery blaze fueled by all sorts of forces that we are no match of. The threats to burn down everyone in its course is real. In this case, perhaps all we can do is to set clear boundaries to contain the blaze, and let it burn out within a specific area. Hopefully, when the smother is over, there’s something spared for us to begin healing with.