Lol, Mesa Man! I'm waiting for him to tell me " I liked you better when you were drinking" Response will be " I liked YOU better when I was drinking"

It really is about control with him.

I hate that I feel that I'm coming across as rude when I stand up for myself and people don't seem to object to taking advantage of that.

It's sad that I've been a people pleaser for the past 49 years of my life. Taking charge now and trying not to give a damn what others think of me.

He's taken up too much space in my head lately. It's time to purge him from my brain.

this is why there are assertiveness training courses, BK :)

2bk, I can TOTALLY relate to the doormat stuff and the 'push-back' responses we tend to get from others who've all become comfortable with us being that way. Ha! There's a change a-comin' and they sure as hell fall out of their old comfort zone quick smart when it dawns on them. You'll get there - and wish you'd done it years ago. I certainly do!

Tbk,

I love the answers you got here!
I need to come here for some assertiveness training:)

This guy is being a bully, and thinks you will not fight back. Surprise him...;)

Obviously you can best him with your wit, and leave him wondering whether you just made a fool of him or not.

The best revenge is living well. I bet his life sucks.