Nothing to Absolve

A "refusal to engage" ... a time honoured response in certain (archetypal) situations; (Jesus standing silent before his accusers springs to mind from my dim & distant churchy past).
"A voice can slit a vein" - what a great line.

I thank you Josh for the read and the response.  I have known the painful sting of the tongue when words are spewed in anger without considering the impact. I have learned not to argue in fury or when drunk...things are said that one cannot take back.  (I sense a part 2 coming) I have also come to realise that frequently when someone is in "attack" mode, it is more often about their own defects than it is about mine.  

I don't think anyone wins when arguments are in rage mode - forgiveness for words shouted in rage are not always gonna be forgiven or forgotten - I have tried disengaging it has always lead to total breakdown of the relationship, maybe that's how it has to be?

excellent ink, certainly got me to thinking :-)

The only way to win with a toxic person is not to play.  There is difficulty is not engaging in the first place but it becomes more difficult to disengage once it has started.  It's almost like they are playing a slot machine...once they get a reaction they keep dropping the coin until one hits and we respond...then they have won.
Thanks David for reading and your thoughtful response:)