It’s all so confusing isn’t it. It’s like he doesn’t know what he is actually thinking. I get the “I need to work on myself” – that’s great, however I was always suspicious with such turnaround thinking with no action. Usually people just do it, and don’t vomit words.
Paying dealers? Sounds like his in it deep.
It is draining you’re right, and definitely don’t get lost in all that noise.
Good that you’ve reflected. Take care of those thoughts