Advice on handling this situation?
I had been in discussion over a business matter with someone. She felt like the project wasn't progressing as she hoped and decided to close it down. I had worked on things to her specifications, so she offered me a partial payment. I sent an email last weekend saying I'd submit paperwork and invoice on Monday but never did. I had received additional bad news and it sent me into a pretty bad anxiety and depression spiral for about five days. I finally began to feel better yesterday but then the guilt and the fear of what to say to her and how not to burn a professional bridge with this started attacking me.
How should I approach sending this paperwork in/invoice? How much do I say? Do I say I received bad news and was handling a private matter and apologize profusely for being late to respond?
Sorry to hear this happened. I would keep it short and simple and say you've just been caught up with work over the past few days. I don't think you need to mention the bad news. Are you a freelancer? I am and I've definitely sent invoices late and it's never seemed to be a bother to anyone, no complaints, etc. I've also been on the other side - waiting to receive invoices from freelancers and would never be annoyed if they sent one in after a few days
