Parents won't forgive drunken rant
Dear Amy: I was with a man I loved very much for almost four years. He is now in recovery, but before he turned his life around, he had multiple issues with my family. While on a drinking binge, he had a verbal argument with my father, which he has tried to apologize for many times.
This was three years ago, and my family refuses to even speak his name.
A few months ago, I broke things off with my boyfriend because I thought my family would never accept him.
I am still very upset by this, because I can't see myself with anyone else.
I know he would spend the rest of his life with me if that's what I wanted. My family has never seen the good side of him. He treats me very well since getting sober.
My family doesn't believe in alcoholism being a disease, and that he has been in treatment for it.
Should I get back together with him and risk my parents never accepting it? -- Heartbroken
Dear Heartbroken: Please understand how upsetting it is for parents to see a child in a relationship with someone they fear is drunk and abusive.
Your parents don't believe in the redemptive power of sobriety. They may think that they are protecting you, but they are really controlling you, and you are letting them.
Alcoholism affects everyone it touches. Your guy's own family, friends and co-workers have likely been affected by his drinking. Because of this, many alcoholics working a 12-step program will make amends and ask for forgiveness from every single person in their lives.
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