Aloha,
A reaction is instant.

It’s driven by the beliefs, biases, and prejudices of the unconscious mind.

When you say or do something “without thinking,” that’s the unconscious mind running the show.

A reaction is based in the moment and doesn’t take into consideration long term effects of what you do or say.

A reaction is survival-oriented and on some level a defense mechanism. It might turn out okay but often a reaction is something you regret later.

What is a response then?

Read more of my post on Psychology Today.