H4L, I'm surprised nobody has come on here and told you to PROTECT yourself from his vitriolic outbursts. [...] Also, another piece of advise that has done me a world of good--you do not have to "answer" to anything immediately. Have a few things to say like "that is interesting--I'll get back to you on it, etc. Custody issues? At that hour?? You don't have to give any quick answers--take your time, think about things, and then get back to him!
I love all of Laura's advice, but particularly the last piece. I need to remember this myself- it's awful and anxious to get hit with a topic you're not prepared for - this is a good way to buy time.
Hope, please check in when you can to let us know how you're doing--
When the men on the chessboard Get up and tell you where to go; And you've just had some kind of mushroom And your mind is moving slow; Go ask Alice... I think she'll know.
