Just had a flash insight: what if I treated communication like I do trading? When trading nothing's a sure bet, so I parcel my bet sizes and if of a sudden I'm quickly "over rewarded" according to what I expected, I thank the market and exit.
The reverse, I'm holding a losing trade, I have to convince myself that I'm missed judged and limit my self criticism AND leave.
Just so with my expectations of people. I suspect "wise friends" who counsel don't get invested in what other people do aren't really trying to make something happen and, literally, and blowing hot air at me.
So, when things seem to be going to expectations, put some of that good feeling into "cash" and carry on with the rest. When going poorly, maybe go into "all cash" and walkaway emotionally.
Something to play around with. R.