So - apologies if this is lengthy!
I have a long term friend that I’ve known since we were about 16. We are both now nearly 60. Our relationship has always been - perhaps a bit odd. Ever since we were kids she has always bigged herself up and put me down. When I used to rock up at her house when we were younger her sister always greeted me with ‘Hi fat (my name) her parents laughed at this. Fast forward lots of years - we’ve stayed friends but are very different in terms of political and religious views. We lost touch for around 10 years then reconnected. Her marriage broke up in 2016 and I was very supportive as she has been to me at different times. She then decided to relocate to my town as she wanted a fresh start. Initially this worked out well however her constant putting me down has continued - I would add that I have very low self esteem anyway. Things have been a little up and down since. A few weeks back we had provisionally arranged to go out- she didn’t get in touch ( but she has a new partner so I assumed he’d stayed longer than anticipated so I left it) I then saw on SM that she’d gone out with a friend. I messaged her to explain very politely that I was a bit disappointed her response was simply- piss off! Since then things have escalated and we are not speaking. When I think back I feel she has pretty much bullied me for many years. I admit I’m a bit of a passive doormat - now I’ve stood up to her she doesn’t like it.I feel bad. I guess my question is - should you let a possibly toxic relationship go even if you’ve been friends for years? My instinct is to always forgive but maybe I should stand my ground? Your thoughts are really appreciated- thank you x