I have been in recovery for 3-4 months now, and I think I am starting to take small steps toward detachment. Recently my wife started drinking when I got back 10 minutes late from a meeting. Over the course of the evening, she built herself up to raging at me in the bedroom. I refused to engage with her, and instead begin praying that God would grant my serenity and protect our children from her anger.
In the past, I would attempt to engage her during her lucid moments. This would usually result in me being pulled in and becoming angry myself. This time I didn't, I just continued to pray silently, and ignored her attempts to hook me in.
The result was that when she finally wore herself out and went to sleep, I was able to go to sleep myself instead of staying awake in emotional turmoil all night. When I told this story at my next meeting, I was told that I could congratulate myself on taking a step toward detachment.
Now I'm trying to figure out this "detachment with love" business!
