Just catching up with you. I'm (partly) sorry that it worked out this way; your W clearly isn't ready to change her life, may never walk a different path. You've made some huge strides for yourself and deserve to be proud.
When I read your description of the talk with W when you found out about the new OM and told her you were moving on, I had the sense that you were calm and solid. That makes me think that rather than a decision you're trying to justify, it came from the heart. I think you knew it was coming, and you were prepared.
Talking to friends who try to talk you out of your decision can be a frustrating exercise, but an incredibly useful one. I find that the more certain I am of my choices, the less their arguments bother me. Feeling anxious and frustrated talking to them is a signal, for me, that I need to look a little deeper. It doesn't mean I change my mind, but it helps me to gain clarity for myself. On the other hand, if the discussion isn't basically supportive, I can do without it.
Take care, Atlas. It's a long road, and you're doing great.
