This was a great read and much needed.

To answet the question, I think the strong Black woman is trying to retire, but many are not. As you've mentioned(you covered all basis here), if Black women "soften" up, their children may starve and things will never get done. Programs designed for Black women/Black people are being taking away therefore things are getting more difficult, so for user there are some of us who have the perfect balance of feminine/masculine (too much of one is overkill), but I think tis so important to step back and reflect on who we are while alone and how we interact with others. I love how you softened around the edges of your spirit to apologize to your daughter, because at that moment she truly needed your warmth and nurturing and I am glad you two had an understanding.

As far as friendships. I developed a friendship with someone for only a few months. An older(white) woman and she and I have very similar ideas and personalities, and I think that's why our friendship ended a couple of weeks ago. I met her online, but I felt in a way we were burdening each other by feeling like we needed to constantly "respond" to one another(she hinted around this)-- anyway, long story short, I still feel she is a fantastic person although much, much older than me, but I am glad I stepped back just to reflect and not feel like I am burdening anyone.