It stands to reason, if you stand up for yourself with just reason, you look like a damn fool. 

I have been in a heated discussion with someone who contracted me to do work for them. While I am not the best of business mindset, I like to think that I had just reason to demand late fees for outstanding invoices and about $1875 of uncollected invoices. This is a large sum of money that has put me in a financial bind and when I confronted the guy, he really got under my skin. I'm having trouble remaining objective, while remaining only human... maybe my emotions seeped through the cracks a bit too hard, but this guy has known me for 3 years and really uses things against me and knows how to win an argument, negotiation, etc. with tactics that I just have no damn clue what to do.

Most recently, I have tried to contact him daily about the outstanding balance and he averted me to his business partner, who has no idea what is going on. I believe I am finally seeing a crystal clear picture of the gaslighting tactics they have been doing for the last 3 years and I am tired of being pushed around. I am looking to settle this money and leave their cold asses behind, since they have nothing more to offer to me.

I could really use some advice or anything to clear this one up.