Originally Posted by
Barbara52 
I was amazed at the number of folks who talked to me after I left my AH and literally congratulated me on leaving him. They all knew he was an alcoholic using me and had all apparently been wondering just how long I would put up with it.
I think my AH managed to convince himself that what he was doing wasn't really using me or manipulating or anything bad. He is very good at living in an alternate reality. He has convinced himself of all sorts of things to make himself comfortable in his little world. {shrug** All part of the disease I think.
This is what has happened with me as well. So many folks saying they can't believe that I put up with this for so long. Sadly, AH not only convinced himself but he convinced me that what he was doing wasn't wrong. That's the part that I'm trying to fix for myself right now.
I hope you're seeing that we have all been there. Don't be too hard on yourself.