My spouse purchased a business a year ago (healthcare). There were a lot of red flags with the previous business owner. He’s old school. Lots of under the table business deals, sketchy relationships with subordinates, bad books, etc.

He seemed nice at first. But he never really provided a good exit strategy. She kept him on in the practice for good will. But he was a sloppy practitioner and an even worse partner in the business.

His reluctancy to provide a date when he would leave the practice fully forced her to set a date for him. This was over the course of many, many conversations, emails, phone calls. Finally, he’s on his way out.

And he’s been difficult the entire way, and my spouse has had to plan his departure: putting together messaging for the patients, employees, getting his personal effects out. This has put a strain on everyone involved.

Recently, she received a text from him asking if he can move his items out on “xx” date. This was followed by a (presumably accidental) text from him: “I won’t be surprised if the idiot waits around to supervise.” He then sent more texts about the move but never acknowledged his accidental insult.

How should she respond? Let it go? Show it to him?

It burns me up that I have to go to his going away party and smile like everythings ok.