I think you are off to a great start at handling this person. You can even consider it sort of a positive thing that someone like her is in your life. What you will learn handling her will come in handy when you deal with other takers who do come along in all our lives.

You have liberated yourself from feeling you have to go by any rules that she would like to impose on you. Good for you. You have absolutely no obligation to "be honest" with her.

I have a friend who is kind of like the person you describe, but less extreme. It used to drive me nuts. She would call and say things like, "Do you think you could find it in your heart to be kind enough to do this, that and the other thing for me?" (She knew I prided myself on being a pretty kind person.) She would show up on my doorstep, crying like a lost child? I mean . . . the drama was off the hook.

Now, I'm so glad I've had to deal with this person because I've learned so much. I've also learned that I don't have to end the relationship . . . just have to refuse to be a sucker.

These people try to use your own values against you. It's real clever, but pretty easy to see through. Now, I have no trouble blocking her. Like you say, you don't want to have awkwardness that will make you uncomfortable. You don't need to. You can feel free to tell her whatever kind of crap story you come up with as an excuse. She deserves no better. I endorse your approach.