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Old 07-17-2018, 06:08 AM
  # 3 (permalink)  
SparkleKitty
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Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Chicago
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As an ACoA myself, it feels familiar--though I did not express a reaction to strong emotions that way, my mother did. She, in addition to being an alcoholic herself, was also likely an ACoA.

In our house, only my mother was allowed to express her feelings (usually anger) about a situation. So I know this doesn't help that much, but I don't think it's a linear clear-cut thing. She may have stuffed her own emotions in service to the alcohol parent, which then manifested as extreme discomfort around other people's strong emotions, which she then deals with in a way she also learned from the addicted parent.

Being aware and taking care of yourself is paramount, of course.
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