That's what I was trying to say yesterday, only I could not articulate it. Who is breaking up with whom? She seemed to be taking it as a breakup, not as you are simply calling another plumber (you don't expect the first plumber to get all dramatic about it, as she kind of was). If you "dump" her, she is not in control, YOU are saying she stopped helping you, this was more than her ego could handle. It sounds like she has regained some perspective. I hope she has! If she punishes her clients for leaving her, I don't care WHAT the circumstances are, that is kinda not cool? The breakup should feel mutual, she should not be throwing your ego under the bus for her own ego's sake. I don't get why SHE has no idea how to stop without devastating you - are you her first client? Is one of you made of sugar?! I mean, I too feel your relief that she is now being more open, but I think the student has surpassed the teacher, and maybe you don't realize that you have? And she might be embarrassed about being surpassed, and not buying your naivete about it. I get that a lot - too smart for my own good and I unknowingly tick people off (not to mention the times I do it on purpose! ). It might be nice to have her validation for the past 3 years, but live UP to YOUR ideals, not down to hers. You've bloody earned them.