This is great advice and I am going to try to do it more. I recently had success with a situation where someone was attempting to manipulate me. My h helped by telling me to pause by saying I’d call back later, we were ‘busy’. I then reflected on the emotions I was feeling. I was able to respond ‘no’ in a healthy boundary way without falling into the usual trap. Although the incident was handled well and I am proud, though, I still had an emotional downward spiral the next day. But, I have been experiencing some severe stuff and don’t let me dissuade you, OP. . But, like Bill says, each time things will get easier. This is encouraging.