Originally Posted by
kthopkt 
Why is it that those of us who love our addict have to be the tough ones & avoid them when deep down inside we just want to spend time with them? Sometimes I feel like it is harder for us than it is them, especially when they aren't even aware of the pain they cause.
This is beautifully put and I thank you for it. It is so true that we suffer more than they do- addiction is a selfish disease, and that's all there is to it. Sibling relationships can be so difficult. I grew up with my brother as my constant bully and I don't feel like that's ever going to change. Now he's bullying my kids, calling them p*ssies, and I hear the same excuses from my parents as they gave to me- he doesn't mean it, he loves them, etc. This Christmas will be an experiment to see if he can treat us with respect, and if he can't, we are finished with him.