wendy & pookir - To me, it's at times like the ones you describe when you find out who true friends really are. True friends would certainly hate to see you leave town but would wish you well, realizing you're doing it for reasons that work for you. Then the next thing they'd want to know is when can they come and visit you!!!
The other folks, the ones who label you as a "traitor"......well, I'll leave you to form your own opinion of them!!
Bill