I found this a fun and useful exercise after my divorce:
Rehearsing comeback lines so I have them at the ready when my insides are churning & my mind goes blank.
I would look in the bathroom mirror, or do it while I was driving. Like practice cutting short his Exciting Weekend Report by saying energetically:
"Faaaaaaaaaaaaascinating, that's super, but the doorbell just buzzed - gotta go, byeeeeeeeee!"
"Oh, hi, I'm actually swamped at the moment - is it something urgent about the boys cuz my rhodedendrons need watering right now. Byeeeeeeeeeeeeee!"
"Super news! I had a fabulous weekend too. In fact I'm updating my blog right now so I gottta go byeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!"
or maybe "Oh, hi, how are you? Can you make this quick, I have to get back to watching my toe nail polish dry!"
Whatever! I always end up cracking up and coming up with more and more outrageous comebacks that I may never get the chance to use but they help me let off steam and laughter IS the best medicine.
Here's to many more peaceful and fun days for you and your sons!
peace-
b