"I was dreading the conversation, anticipating difficulties and rejection and screwing up somehow (hence the insane email idea) but then just took the plunge tonight, and am glad I did. "
apply this lesson to everything, including interaction with your w. the dread, the anticipated difficulties are in your head. of course it will not always be pleasant, but it wont be as bad as you think it will be.
"In a ham and eggs breakfast, the hen is involved, but the pig is committed".