I think that I've lost a lot of friendships and I do blame the alcoholism. I'm ashamed of his drinking so I have gradually avoided social get togethers more frequently. I don't want anyone to really come over to our house and be subjected to it. He's not violent or anything; I'm just embarrassed TBH.
Thats pretty common - I did the same thing. I avoided my family as well
- anyone that would catch a glimpse of what I was choosing to live with.
Meetup.com is a great place to meet some new people with common interests.
And for what its worth, I think we avoid telling people what is actually going on for a few reasons
we're scared of judgement
we're embarrassed
and were scared of being told we need to leave
cause we'll have to admit it to ourselves....and once we do, well feel like we have to act on that....and that is very, very difficult.
I hope you can let go of fear, get out there and meet some new people, and maybe even tell a friend your story. It helps!!