I do ok for myself financially. Around a year ago I met a girl who I became very good friends with. She was struggling financially and I loaned her $2500. Things happened and she never got around to paying it. Fast forward and her way of thanking me was cutting me off completely and spreading rumours about me. I suspect her boyfriend at the time told her to cut me off because he obviously didn't appreciate his girl talking to a guy who used to bone her but I find the reason to be immaterial. If she allowed it to happen then that's all that matters to me.

Truth is I thought the world of this girl and this somewhat betrayal and left me feeling really bitter. For me it's not about the money, but rather the principle - if you're going to treat me like shit you best believe you're paying back what you owe me.

I then applied to the courthouse for an application and forwarded it to her email. She is obviously pretty gutted and she's "dirt broke struggling to pay her bills and eat" and despite the fact there's been a good opportunity to make peace she hasn't really jumped on it - even if out of pity to try and get out of going to court.

Her most recent email, which has hit me somewhat emotionally, is that I'm horrible for putting such pressure on her before Christmas and she's going to pay $140 a week at the expense of her bills and food to get it back to me.

What I am asking here is: do I hold my ground and get my money back even though I don't really need it and it's obviously causing her grief? Or do I act empathetic and let it go, even though I think she will still hate me because of the fact I went to the effort of suing her.

PLEASE HELP as I need to do something about the application in 2 days, and I will be online constantly to answer any questions. Thank you.

EDIT: AS WEIRD AS IT SOUNDS, I don't want her to fucking hate me, but I'm not sure if it's too late. I'm trying to find a balance of how best to approach.