We can choose not to dwell on it as well. I'm blessed to have a big extended family and most understand the situation because there have been other addicts in the family. We don't talk too much about my AD but it is fine when we do. I do not see other old friends much so it is not worth troubling them with my AD's trials and tribulations. Now that my kids are grown and gone, I'm finding that my kids don't need to be the focus of every conversation like when they were young and at home.