This is such a difficult situation and I'm sorry you're going through it. I think it unfortunately parallels what gifted children go through as well, as they lose friends who pull away because of their differences.
I always found it particularly upsetting when I felt I was perceived as somehow being less sensitive to children who struggle academically just because of advocating for improved gifted services. I came across a great article yesterday, suggesting that it is the American way to resist acknowledging exceptional abilities:
http://educationnext.org/america-and-its-high-potential-kids/#comment-121378.I hope you and your friend can work this out and that she can put it in perspective.
Gail Post/
www.giftedchallenges.com
