Rednail: Dropping the rope

[Painter]

I have to agree that this is very controlling behavior, all of it. Maybe it's his way of showing care, but it can also be control, temp checking, noticing that you're moving on and getting curious, etc.

One thing that has to change for good between you, regardless of the nature of the R, is the power balance. It sounds like you are well on your way to doing that and doing *amazing* work and progress.