"Somehow, and I don't know how they do it, but they are able to convince themselves that the history they rewrite is somehow actually true."

It is all about perspective.

"So nice to hear from you Forrest! I've missed the heck out of you!"

Always a nice thing to hear. I feel the same way.

"New guy is giving me a little space to get thru this & being supportive at the same time."

So.. what you are saying is.. he likes what he "see's". Good for you. It gives you something to "compare".

Relax
Eat
Think
Act normal
React.. Smartly.
Do something different.
Emulate.
Do Work.

Lets get "RETARDED" in here.