Running free,
What I saw in your post is something I have struggled with. I have a hole in my soul and for alot of years I waited for someone to fill it. What you said about "expecting some kind of validation" is what makes me think that. I want to HEARD.
I had a similar friendship not that long ago and it ended because it became a competition and she was the only one competing. I know myself well enough now that I know I get defensive so maybe that is what brought it out. The more I reacted the worse it got. And we WORK together, too!
I am with your therapist...let it go. And by all means RUN! OMG that can be your sanity!
The friendship I am speaking of has worked it's way out...we still work together and we talk. There is the familiarity of old friends but I will never hand my heart to her again. That might be a nice goal because your children are friends.
Time heels...
Hugs,
JT