Went to my first Al-anon mtg.
 

I feel as though a huge weight has been lifted off of my chest. I have a million questions. The people were warm and extremely caring. It was a huge and unfortunate relief to hear the many stories of loved ones affected by this horrible disease.

I am just now quite sure how to deal w/ AH asking me how my meetings went. He has asked me what they talk about and if I feel better? Not quite sure how to handle that one. I want to say, "I feel a lot better knowing I am not the only one living w/ an AH!!!!" That I am not the only one who's world has fallen apart because you do not have life coping skills. I just tell him that it is a group where I talk and I don't feel so alone and I try and change the subject. This is for me and our babies. Not for you.

Also, he is overjoyed that he has found anti-depressants and I am happy if they make him feel better. I do not reply when he tells me, "This is it, no more drinking." I know that he can't make that promise to me as I have did in the past. I am living one day at a time.

:a122: :nyc :dancer5:
AWW Yah! AWW Yah!
Let's hear it for sassy!

That's it, girl.
One day at a time.
Keep the meeting details quiet and keep plugging away on growing yourself.

I'm so happy for you for moving forward in self growth.

Hugs

:c029: That is all great stuff..you are even enforcing your boundaries , making time for your recovery, and not taking the baited hook(my drinking days r over!) That is quite a bit of progress.Keep going back!

Keep going! yay!

Well done!
 

Keep it up, it works!

I felt exactly the same way in my first meeting, I was sure I was the only man on the planet to dealing with a drunken wife, with a little girl to worry about.

Many alcoholics describe themselves as ego-maniacs with inferiority complexes. So naturally he believes the meetings are a bunch of women sitting around plotting about what to do about HIM. Probably making him a little nervous!

My axw found anti-depressants too, saved us a lot of money on beer. With an anti-depressant in her, 3 beers rendered the same effect as 12 or so. Just giving you a heads up.

Great job on your first meeting, glad you had a positive experience. Keep coming back, you will figure all this out.

Thanks and God bless us all,
Coyote

(((Sassy)))

Awesome Step in taking care of YOU!

We're here for you!

When I went to my first Al-Anon in July of this year, I was frusterated & anngry. I wanted to fix EVERYTHING about my wife's drinking & could not do it. After attending the meeting, I felt relieved. Things did not change for me overnight. I'm still struggeling, but I've found that a special bond within Al-Anon that is difficult for me to describe. The support that I've received has been exraordinary. I've learned coping skills & my attitude has changed for the better. Keep going! It works & it is work. I've found that it's worth it.

My wife asks about the meetings too. It does make her nervous because she thinks I'm plotting against her. I take special care to make sure that I talk about me at the meetings, not her.

Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?
 

After some inital suspicion, my wife transitioned over the years to be a big fan of Al-Anon for me. Now when I'm twisting up and don't catch myself, she or my daughter are both liable to "suggest" a meeting for me.

Thumbs up!