Maybe we could ask Essie to create a script for the voicemail, since she is so good at these things!!
Julia, I'm so sorry this happened to you. It really sounds like he is in a pinch financially and trying to "solve" his problems essentially by taking away things that belong to you (the car, your equity in the house, etc).
I would try to keep two goals in mind...
1. STAY COOL, don't let him get you mad when you're interacting with him. If he tries to pressure you into something you're not comfortable with, COOLY say you need time to think it over.
2. PROTECT YOURSELF because it is very clear that H is NOT looking out for you right now. He is only looking out for himself.
I think you can do both these things WHILE still being friendly and validating.
It is EXTREMELY childish of him to shove this Sh!T onto you by text and then not take your phonecalls.
With all that in mind, it is *possible* that from his POV he has already created a win-win situation for BOTH of you with the 8 month break from the mortgage. He might ACTUALLY think that you are flipping with joy because you don't have to make the payments. But clearly it is only a "bandaid" and not a permament solution.
Take care of yourself and have fun with your face mask and magazine!!!
