You are not imagining it and you are not being difficult. Document it and take the document in.

Photograph everything before you open it. Ten seconds, settles most disputes.

Written confirmation email after every phone call. Cheapest insurance there is.

Test one thing at a time. It feels slower and it is the only way to learn anything.

Bring a list. Embarrassment makes everyone forget things, including you.

It gets smaller. Not easy, smaller. That distinction kept me going.