Remember that woman who told you she had to distance from this group of women? A healthy person will not like the behaviors and overall mindset of these women. It IS toxic.

Two profound compliments is not something that one should base a relationship on. You had been knocking yourself out for years chasing more of that and it never came. Instead, you were just used and encouraged to blame yourself for whatever was wrong. Now you are beginning to see things that you need to see in order to break free and grow stronger and more confident. You are gaining ground 👍