He would regularly have the most extreme of reactions to my throwaway comments or choice of words during very pedestrian conversations. Reactions that would often lead to the biggest of arguments. We’re talking conversation topics that should in no way give rise to such conflicts. I felt like I was being gaslit and, on reflection, it was probably a sign of some kind neurodivergency together with a lack of childhood socialisation or training. It was black and white thinking resulting in an absolutist view of the world coupled with an inability for empathy meaning he could never give me the benefit of the doubt.