Players, check in with your DM. Little questions like "do you hate all half-gnome warlocks or is this personal?" or "Is my name Inigo Montoya? Did I kill your father? Because it feels like you're preparing me for death!" or even "My childhood friend?!?"
A little goes a long way.
DMs: Don't forget to check in with your players. During and after the game. Little questions like, "How are you doing?" Or "Are you okay?" can go a long way.
Players: Don't forget to check in with your DM - they're a player, too.