Congratulations! That's great.

Thank you for starting this thread. It raises awareness about this kind of thing. It's interesting. I often say "Are you sure?" after I make a request, especially to my mother, but to others as well. I want people to know I'm not pushing. But at the same time, it's their job to tell me yes or no. I cannot read minds. It's just such an interesting issue. I know that I myself have said "ok yes" before, when I was uncomfortable with something. But it was not honest.

I don't have advice about the person who may retaliate. I'm sorry you have a person like that in your life though! How awful. Maybe someone else can give advice on that. Is it a coworker? Friend?