I suppose I don't like upsetting her as it makes me feel I'm going backwards in showing that "better" person, plus maybe it also pushes her further towards the AP?
It's not a contest between you and AP, and if you try to make it one, you'll lose.
Do not do the "Pick Me" dance.
“Things turn out best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out” ― Art Linkletter