They need enough structure that every subtle signal is not granted the authority to define reality.

You can notice the change in tone without immediately writing the ending. You can ask for clarity without apologizing for existing. You can receive criticism without allowing one imperfect action to become your entire identity, and you can survive somebody else’s disappointment without abandoning yourself in order to win back approval.

Sometimes the reply really is just “Okay.”

Annoying, perhaps, but not yet a Greek tragedy.