I'm glad you were pleasantly surprised by the family member. So nice when people exceed our expectations, rather than fail to meet them.
I love the pennies in the couch allusion. Mine is extraordinarily conflict avoidant and passive aggressive. I am far more direct. I wouldn't even mind confrontation and arguing if we could get to an end point from it. I just see a negotiation style that is directed to never reaching a resolution, so rather than negotiating against myself in frustration, I just let him spin his wheels, at least for now, and sit back and eat the popcorn.
I'm glad you are past all the court stuff and can focus on having a wonderful life. Can't wait to read what exciting things you and the boys get up to.
