collect your thoughts

To collect one's thoughts means to take time for his/herself after a particularly disturbing event, and to get his/her mind back in order.

Person1: Hey, what's up?

Person2: Becky and I just broke up last night.

Person1: Oh that sucks, how've you been handling it?

Person2: I dunno man, but I feel like complete shit.

Person1: I'm sorry, how about I leave you alone and give you time to collect your thoughts?

Person2: Good idea. I'll explain things later then.

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