Take responsibility but challenge unreasonable vilification. Try to understand your borderline partner’s abrupt shifts in attitude. Acknowledge that he is upset with you and why. But don’t automatically concede demonization if it’s not true. After enduring repeated attacks, you might say, “I understand you’re frustrated and angry at me for not picking you up at the airport, but you know I have picked you up many times before and this time I just couldn’t get away from work.” After pointing out your previous airport runs, don’t continue to be defensive. Further explanations risk elevating
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