Originally Posted by
skippernlilg 
This is the exact circular discussion exABF and I must've had 100 times before I would step out and just watch him talk. In the same fashion that is described here, we would begin talking, I would recognize what was coming, and literally step away from the conversation.
I don't know how many times I would observe exABF standing there arguing with himself for a good 20 minutes after I hadn't even said a word.
I have learned how to do this myself - instead of reacting to the conversation, I would "stand outside" of it and listen objectively. Amazing what one can hear when they aren't on the defense.
Jamaica, at least you know where he is at these days - sometimes conversations like these can be very validating of our own choices. (This is me, trying to find the positive in listening to quacking!) I think you handled that very well.