GW. THank you~! I know you are right. NO more falling back into trying and explaining and working it out. I don't know why I get into feeling it is so important for him to hear me and validate me. I guess I felt maybe I could give it one more try to negotiate out of court. WRONG. Back to NC. NO more giving him chances out of fear. No more allowing myself to be bullied and blamed. No more trying to be heard and respected. NC. You're right it is to protect myself and to protect my son. Thank you so much for the validation and support. This is what I needed today. I'm going to speak with the L again in a few minutes so we'll keep moving forward.