Hi JuliaClaire. I can relate completely to you concerns about your relationship. I have been married for 14 years and have 4 children with my beautiful French wife. The problem is that we (I) have rarely been sober in that time - apart from when she was pregnant with our kids. I'm really worried that she is getting bored with the whole sobriety thing. She has been really supportive and has barely drank at all since I have been sober - but sometimes I get the feeling that she is willing me to have a glass of wine with her. It really did play a big part in our relationship and we have had lots of fun times whilst drinking. There hasn't really been a downside either. I am quite a happy drunk, so it rarely came between us. She doesn't really understand that it is a compulsion for me and that my relationship with alcohol has changed dramatically in recent years, because it isn't a problem for her at all.
If it was undermining our relationship, I'm pretty sure I would drink again and just try to control it. Time will tell.
Vman, I love the firewood thing. We are planning to retire in France. The father in law has cut wood as long as I have known him. It is such a wholesome way to heat the house. I intend to do it when we eventually live there full time.
Thanks for the warm welcome, all.