Good question. We should have a working definition in order for this conversation to be meaningful. Perhaps we should even have a couple of "degrees" of friendship in order test the appropriateness of each.
The irony in my sitch is that although I did not validate prior to the bomb, I do now and I think my W really values that. She still wants to tell me about her day, her experiences, and her issues. I don't ask about when she goes out with friends, but she wants to tell me about it. On the other hand, I don't offer information about what I do, but she asks me about it.
She still wants this interaction with me and while we are together, I let her come to me for it. But once we are apart . . .
