Excellent re your goals. No pain, no gain, huh?! What a great idea to get your S17 involved. I find that when I set a goal or make a change, telling or involving a few folks tends to make me more accountable, helping me to make it stick.
I have the same mindset re the communication skills. I'm practicing with others, and trying to demonstrate any improvements when I'm w/ W.
Hang in there during this D process, T. There will be a pressure release when/if its all said and done. From there, I hope he'll come around to build a friendship with you. And from there, who knows?
What a great idea to get your S17 involved. I find that when I set a goal or make a change, telling or involving a few folks tends to make me more accountable, helping me to make it stick. 
