Hi, I hope it's okay to add to this - I think the end of a friendship can be extremely sad and distressing. There's a lot said and written about romantic relationship break ups but less so about friendships - I am not sure why this is because friendships can be just as important in their own way.

I can't imagine how this must feel after 5 decades. It sounds like she has been one of your major primary relationships and this is going to be upsetting for you. I hope writing it out here helped especially if you are needing closure.

It sounds to me like she really pushed your boundaries, talking negatively about her husband who was a mutual friend. It sounds like triangulating. That is a very destructive thing for her to have done. I can understand why you finally said no more- even though it must have been hard.

Often the right/best thing to do is not the easiest. It takes strength and courage to call time on a relationship which is no longer good for us or the other person.

I hope you can find peace and closure.