Nyssa, We often have adopted learned responses to emotional situations. I worked with behaviorally disordered students for twenty years. I was the Director of Special Education for a large school district. I worked with our teachers in controlling emotional situations. The first step is never to let yourself become emotional. Keep your poise and never let yourself climb to the emotional leve the person who is exhibiting the stress. Stay calm and true to the meeting. If needed excuse the person from the meeting. If they refuse to do so then adjourn the meeting to a later time. Dr. Gary Carlson