I mean if it was about our daughter yeah ok but right now I don't want to talk about R. Am I wrong? Is there a better way to handle this?
Good job.. The thing I would add is that when you do talk that you let him know that NOW you agree that YOU need space and that you are not sure how YOU now feel. Then get off the phone quickly and politely.
Let him go and let him wonder if HE has lost YOU. .That is what works the best.
