Marooned, you are a very intelligent guy, I can tell from your writing. Just like MOST real gentlemen, you are selfless, stupid and a pushover. You KNOW what is happening but you cover your ears... you really do.
"But although its great to focus on her all that really does is let me NOT focus on me, which is what my job really is."
... you should FOCUS ON YOU!
The question is why do I continue the friendship? Is it selfless or very selfish?
... now it is selfish... you are STILL friends like most loser guys who try to be the "better" person... you are there because you just want to be "a part of her life." Even though your role is the best supporting, kicked around actor, you are happy with just that. Don't analyze too deeply, you gave her love and continue to give her love... she hurt you, still is hurting you, yet you are STILL THERE!
Every behavior has it's reward so what's in it for me? What I am aware of is that turning my back on her would be like abandoning a wounded comrad in a war zone and that I will not do.
She is no comrad, she fkg HURT YOU and you willingly accept it further with this BS explanation of we are are here to experience etc etc... she has her path, I have my own... I'm more simple... you live one life, learn to act n react like how children do... if it hurts, STAY AWAY... you can justify with all your experiential excuses you want... in the end you are wasting TIME, precious happiness for YOURSELF... (yes, I'm talking from experience)... keep yourself away from your circular thinking and you will be FINE. You sticking around... you just like to abuse yourself, maybe you r into S&M...
TIME brother, you have limited TIME