Dear T,
Thanks for reframing a couple things for me today, both regarding my job and the "endure" thought about the thing with B.

Somewhat related (because I probably wouldn't have been able to talk about that one thing the way I did otherwise): I imagine this won't be permanent (based on past experience with you and with ex-MC), but I feel like my transference is fading on some level, or at least shifted. Like I'm viewing you as "non-parent, non-partner, non-friend person who supports me and gives me guidance." More like, say, a mentor or coach. Or, you know, a therapist.

Also, I'm glad you mentioned having that paper published. I didn't let on that I'd googled when you were away last month and already knew about it. But I'm glad that now you've mentioned it, so I won't have to be concerned that I'll accidentally let that slip. But could you maybe have acknowledged the "congrats"? Or was that not the appropriate thing to say? I suspect you just didn't want to shift the focus to you, as you were using it as an example of why my work is important. But it feels awkward when something like "congratulations" is hanging out there, and the other person doesn't acknowledge it (kinda like when I was trying to wish you a happy birthday a couple years ago).

Love,
LT