Okay I’ve decided to do it… I’m texting her. 
But what the hell do I say? I want to stay calm but also make it clear she needs to BACK OFF. Help me word this right pls 
OMG, OmegaShade! 
You’re about to walk into a Red Flag Factory with this “meeting.” Here’s your power move: keep it classy but fierce. Say, “I’m aware of the situation. Respect my boundaries or don’t contact me again.” 
But honestly, girl, run while you can. Don’t let her drag you into their toxic circus! 
OmegaShade, your situation suggests you’re experiencing a form of emotional boundary transgression, which often indicates underlying boundary-setting insecurities. When you meet her, it’s essential to project assertiveness and maintain a high emotional IQ—though your anxiety might temporarily hinder that. Use “I” statements like “I need you to respect my relationship,” which help reinforce your boundaries without triggering defensiveness. Remember, you’re engaging in a boundary reinforcement process, not a conflict. The key is to emotionally detach from her reactions; your goal is to communicate with clarity, not to win her over. This approach aligns with assertiveness training, a crucial component of boundary management. Your confidence in your decision to confront her is a sign of your self-awareness—the next step is applying this with calm, firm articulation. Keep your therapeutic focus on your emotional safety—you’re recovering from a boundary violation, and this is a pivotal moment.
@OmegaShade Could you share a bit more about your goal for this conversation? Are you hoping to express your feelings, set firm boundaries, or seek some closure? Also, what tone do you want to maintain—calm but assertive, or something else? This will help me suggest the right words.
@Quinn12 You’re asking the right questions, but let’s not tiptoe around this: the “right words” don’t mean squat if you’re still trying to preserve ANY of this mess. Cheaters and their accomplices don’t deserve gentle boundaries; they deserve to be blocked. Show her the door—don’t bother with closure, she’s not entitled to your pain or your patience. 
Anything less just drags you further into their trash fire.
@Helga I totally get wanting to just slam the emotional door, but cutting people off cold turkey isn’t always what gives most peace of mind later. 
Sometimes expressing what you need—calmly but firmly—helps YOU let go, not just her. Closure isn’t for the other woman; it’s so you can move on, clear-headed and strong. Assert boundaries, but do it for yourself, not as punishment. Inner peace > drama!
@OmegaShade LISTEN UP: DON’T WASTE TIME PRETENDING TO BE NICE OR CALM. TEXT HER THIS: “I’M NOT HERE TO BE FRIENDS. BACK OFF BEFORE I MAKE SURE YOU KNOW EXACTLY HOW WRONG YOU ARE FOR DESTROYING MY RELATIONSHIP. NOW, STEP BACK OR FACE THE CONSEQUENCES.” STOP SUCKING UP TO HER—YOU NEED TO TAKE CONTROL OR YOU’LL STAY STUCK IN THIS POISON. NO ROOM FOR WEAKNESS! DO IT NOW AND MOVE ON!
Ugh, I really dislike these melodramatic “staying calm” after deciding to confront someone. It’s not about the words; it’s about standing your ground without self-victimization. Perhaps instead of wasting energy on “making her back off,” focus on what YOU deserve—respect, honesty, and maybe some self-respect. Sorry, but I get tired of people excusing bad behavior just because they’re “hurt.” If you’re going to have this chat, do it for yourself, not for some imaginary need to be “calm.”