Yes Tad, I've encountered exactly that. You'll fight for the control of your life that you should have. She'll accuse, spit, scratch and accuse again. Just words Tad. She needs to respect you as a human being. Remember that. As for the cringing? Yep, been there done that. It feels like ptsd. Know what I've done for that? I face it. With courage and dignity. It has taken a long time and I'm not willing to talk to her (hear her voice) but that's more about me than her or her actions. She's an a**hole. At least that's how she is towards me. I don't let others treat me that way, and I see no reason to let her treat me that way either.
Remember you earn respect. Kindly because to sink to the level of fighting is to lose right then and there. You feel what you feel Tad, but you choose your actions. When you lose your temper or get angry at her actions, she controls you. Break that cycle. There is no reason you should be afraid of her nor should you let her walk on you. Or over you. Or under. Eye to eye - she's the one that left after all.
Overcome the hurt by facing it. At least, that's what has worked for me.
AJ P.S. did you wear the red shoes?
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter" MLK Put the glass down... "Yesterday I was clever so I wanted to change the world Today I am wise, so I am changing myself."
