Yes, Yes, Yes! It was a very calm and wonderful feeling to step out of the dance. I didn't even have any residual after-anxiety. And yes, I do feel that I'm standing a little bit taller!
This way of being sure beats the pants off the way I used to handle these situations (which wasn't working for me at all).
It's like Emotional Judo. I just step aside and let her momentum pass me right by!
Thanks to Al-Anon for the tools and thanks to all of you for your support! This is truly an amazing place!