Practice assertiveness without aggression

I am really no good at this

and one step back?
I fall into the “good girl” persona pretty quickly.
Newguy attorney was kind of glossing over a question I had ..and I allowed it.
sigh.
I’ll be aware for next time. I worry about being perceived as a shrew for asking a normal question! Meanwhile I am PAYING for him to answer questions.

I had worried about bringing something up with my newguy attorney (related to his fee, actually). ..however, I asked my question matter of factly but with some conviction—and, viola, I’ll be getting something in the mail from him about it. (Or so he says! I may have to go over this all over again!)
but..I’ll chaulk today’s inquiry up as a success.

I got what I asked for by way of a refund. :)

failed!! well, not totally. I know I could have handled things better than I did. I did not yell, but still, I know my voice was “shrill” and the meeting became acrimonious.

It is VERY VERY difficult to be assertive, not aggressive when one believes they are being cheated. In the past 6 months I have felt cheated not only by the former husband who duped me out of what was rightfully mine (and after I was overly fair with him)...but also by the attorney who was SUPPOSED to be helping me. It is becoming more and more clear that he just wanted to fritter away my retainer. I am pissed. deep breath, deep breath.

Being continually angry about this is like drinking poison and wanting the other guy to die. Ex husband and lawyer are having lovely days, I am sure..meanwhile I seethe. Not good. Not smart.

I am going to invest more time in learning how to ask for what I want without meltdown. It is very important that I learn this skill.

when I see Lawyer #1 to ask him why he has handled mattered the way he has.