This sounds lovely Duvetday, it sounds like you are taking positive steps forward and they are really paying off. I agree with KIP get another date booked in the diary with your friend as it sounds like she has a really positive effect on you. I finally managed to catch up with one of my few remaining friends on the phone today and it really lifted my mood, I had forgotten how nice it is to just have a good old chat with a non-judgemental friend. 2017 was also not the best year for me either, pretty much all stemming from getting involved with my ex and it has been hard looking on social media seeing all these women younger than me who are talking about their incredible career successes in the same field as me and happy engagements, I’ve been finding it hard not to feel a bit envious and resentful. But at least this year we have a blank canvas, an opportunity for a fresh start and to create the life we want without an abuser trying to ruin things for us. Wishing you a peaceful and better 2018 ♡