If my mother becomes aware of any reference to my father, however vague, she goes out of her way to steer the conversation around to hurling insults at him. This is how it’s been for 48 years and counting:
Me: “There’s a tire sale going on over at the Firestone place . . .”
My mother: “Doesn’t your father drive a vehicle with tires? Your father was such a drunken, worthless, piece of shit. Did I ever tell you the time he …”
Me: “… buy 3 get the fourth one free.”
Three years past his death, she’s still doing this. What is this called?