(May 19, 2011 at 5:41 am)Chuck Wrote: "just friend" usually mean she harbor the hope of stringing you along as a backup without any cost or commitment on her part, but if you refuse, she won't feel desolated by any means.
Chuck's right. Plus, you said it yourself - 17 years.
For 17 years she's gotten everything she's needed from you. She's a user. She takes what she needs and gives only enough to keep you around.
Cut your losses and go. Remember that the phrase "I can't live with her and I can't live without her" will always eventually come to one choice ... live without her.