@rashida @witsend000 @gingerw
Thank you for sharing your perspectives. It feels good when I get grounded by hearing others' viewpoints.
Even @jeffrapp contributed in his own way. I Googled his quote
"In arguing, the truth is always lost:" and discovered the following:
"When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the loser."
Anonymous.
In this case, the duo resort to lashing out to get in the last word. I won't quibble between slander and libel. Their tongues and texts are equally malicious.
Why do I allow myself to be overpowered by bullies... to allow them to have my joy wither away?

Does anyone remember:
"So?"
"I know you are, but what am I?" (or is it vice versa? ...lol)
"It takes one to know one."

Apparently these ladies are in it, to win it, regardless of what negative impact they have on others.
It takes one, to know one. When I first interacted with the duo, my hackles went up. My spidey senses were alerted. I wanted to take the opportunity to get to know them, though. I didn't want to judge them by my first impression.
One phrase I kept hearing was, "It is what it is" which bothered me and I found an explanation of why: psychologically, it is a toxic saying: the link provides an interesting point of view.

Why “it is what it is” is a toxic saying | Opinion | ninertimes.com
https://www.ninertimes.com/opinion/why-it-is-what-it-is-is-a-toxic-saying/article_4de0b1cc-f00e-5124-8d6f-967fa7992f3a.html#:~:text=The%20basic%20meaning%20behind%20these,fix%20them%20would%20be%20pointless.
This is a personality clash. I'm introspective and cautious--an introverted extrovert. With a proviso...when I feel good, sometimes I have a false sense of security. I offer a little bit of spontaneity and let my guard down. ..I don't like using social media because I have not mastered the ettiquette.
I was told I make things all about me. I learned a long time ago, "All, always, never...over generalizations are not healthy.
I was under the impression that if I comisserated with someone, that empathy was synonymous. It's not. Commiseration is a selfish act. Empathy is a selfless act. I'm willing to learn new input.
This stuff makes me feel uncomfortable. It's difficult for me to acknowledge that I have some positive qualities, yet I know it's dysfunctional to make self-deprecating remarks. Perhaps where it was suggested that the duo demonstrate inferiority complexes, overcompensating with superiority, that I may have an inferior one. too. Sometimes, it doesn't take much to deflate my balloon.
Anyway, I will read and reread my post as well as the responses of @rashida @witsend000 & @ gingerw.
BTW...there are specific stipulations associated with the grant. I could be the most horrible person in the world, but having written a grant with substance that serves the well-being of the community is not horrible. I do not have to worry about retaliation directed at me nor the grant. Nothing is personal...lol
I will actually benefit by taking the mandatory seminars...I love to learn. I already know at this point, I've progressed as far as I desire. Tiers 2 & 3 involve establishing non-profit status. I'm satisfied offering the children an Arts & Crafts Camp...no free day care. The necessary element is parental/guardian/youth collaboration...and a community pot luck celebrating their self-expression, self-respect, self-discipline & self-esteem through the ultimate show & tell-- an Art Show.
Collaborate + Communicate = a CAN DO VILLAGE.
Last night, I slept for 2 hours. I had a Spravato treatment today. What makes me feel good is that I am treated as a person and not a case. There is human interaction and a sense of caring and warmth from the pharmacists who supervise my treatments. They certainly make up for the dastardly duo who have ingratiated themselves into my brain...like an earworm.
At this point, I have to get off of the hamster wheel.
I've been using guided meditations presented on YouTube by Jason Stephenson. His voice and messages are soothing. At night, they make a difference between taking a pharmaceutical or falling asleep to guided imagery.
As a community, Mayo Clinic Connect consistently helps me. I hope I have provided some insight in order to Pay It Forward.