Be patient Buxom. He "is" processing a lot of stuff and will need a lot of space and patience to get through it. He probably isn't able to explain it in any reasonable fashion and for heaven's sake "don't" try to help him fix it.
At the beginning, how did you try to validate? My W never had the knack even though she thinks she's a pro. She was though a superb listener and would retain and think about what she heard. I just especially in the last few years rarely got the chance to talk
Sometimes what we guys need is not someone who understands or who listens, but just someone who cares. Caring can be shown in a lot of ways that aren't words - even offering to go get him popcorn might have brightened him up, or a quick squeeze of the hand and a "thanks for being here" - just don't press things.
Hugs!
On BD H52, W50 T27, M26 S21, D23 BD-9-Mar-16 D-15-Jan-18 Final-19-Apr-18 I am a storyteller. The story may do you no good. But a story is never for the listener. It is always for the one who tells
