Just as something interesting, I've been not reacting to my W's spew and negativity for the past six months or so. Well, at least not directly at her.
The most recent email she sent me was quite lengthy about a concern she has. I get they concern. I empathize with her. She closes by saying she's sorry if she came across b1tchy in the email... and I'm thinking... ??? I didn't get that, at all.
The point is, now she's apologizing when she feels she's "out of line" in her mind. I really don't read it in her email, but obviously, she recognized some sort of anger in writing it. Hey... for her, that's a positive...
I have no idea if my W is making her way "out"... From what I see though, given enough time and detachment, I think they stop seeing us as the enemy.