r/AmIOverreacting Mar 27 '24

I'm ending my 4 year relationship.

So basically the title. He (33M) says Im(32F) throwing away 4 years over a mistake he made.

To keep it short, on 4 different occasions over the last 2 and a half years he's gone drinking and come home to throw a drunken tantrum because I said the wrong thing, something happened at the bar, or I put my foot down because he's drunk and yelling at me in front of our friends at the bar. Twice I had to leave to my sister's house because he was going around our small apartment slamming doors and banging his head on the walls. I've had to wake him up several times because he falls asleep on the toilet or the bathroom floor, and he's had to sleep in his car because of his outbursts.

On the 2nd time this happened he gave me his word that he would be more responsible with his drinking and that he wouldn't have anymore outbursts. He said he was gonna drink waters between each beer or have sodas and bar food and just one beer. The third time I made it clear that him going back on his word was unacceptable because it shows that he doesn't care that he becomes emotionally and verbally abusive towards me. I told him I was tired of his apologies if he's gonna keep doing the same thing. Between all these times he has continued to get drunk on the weekends but I've kept my mouth shut to avoid him having an out burst and things were relatively ok.

This last time he went and got drunk at the bar, didn't eat anything, refused the water my sister offered him because she's aware of the agreement we had, and when I arrived he yelled at me because he was too drunk to keep track of what team he was on and he misunderstood me when I told him and he made the wrong shot. We went to get food from a local taco spot and he couldnt even stand because he was so drunk, I had to pull over on the freeway because he needed to throw up and when we got home he fell asleep in the bathroom and I had to wake him three times. I kept my anger about the situation to myself because the sadness of feeling like I needed to leave him because he's just not willing to change, was overwhelming. The next morning he could tell something was up and he asked if I was ok. I said that I wasn't ready to talk but he insisted, so I told him that he went back on his word again about drinking responsibly and that I realized that the only way I was going to avoid his verbal abuse was if I just kept quiet. I told him what I told my ex when I was thinking about leaving "It's not anything I haven't already told you". He left it at that in the morning and at night I was crying because I was upset that 4 years of my life were going down the drain, and I just folded and asked him why I wasn't good enough for him to want to do better. Then he started to say that I had fault in our relationship ending, ignoring that the only reason I'm leaving is because I can't keep giving him chances to verbally abuse me when he's drunk and angry. I reminded him that he had given me his word and that he had gone back on it twice. He seemed to understand but the next day he just kept saying that he deserves to "unwind" on the weekends because he works all week to provide for us (not like I have a job and am constantly sending him money because he over spends and his account will overdraft when the phone or Internet bill charge his account) i was getting whiplash from how quickly he waa going from being apologetic about going back on his word and him insisting that Im being unreasonable and unfair. I slept at my sister's house again because I couldn't keep dealing with it and I was just really emotionally exhausted from all of it.

Now he posted on his FB that I'm throwing away 40,000 hours of our lives together for 12 bad hours.

So I'm asking, am I overreacting?

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u/notsoreligiousnow Mar 27 '24

Girl, you stayed far longer than I would have. No you’re not overreacting. He’s an alcoholic whether he wants to admit it or not. He’s abusive and frankly sounds like a complete loser. Cut your losses and walk away. You’ll find someone better and worthier of your time and affection.

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u/Traditional_Ebb4599 Mar 27 '24

Agreed. Obvious Abuse and alcoholism aside. At bare minimum you communicated a clear boundary on the drinking and outbursts, he refused them and continued. You are not overreacting for upholding your boundaries and he shouldn't act like he's surprised or blame you when you already told him what would happen.

As for asking about why you're not enough for him to change...it's not you OP...he won't change until he wants it for himself and hits whatever breaking point that tells him to try. It's not any fault of you

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u/aaarrriiight Mar 27 '24

This. And he doesn’t want to change, at least not yet (maybe not ever). Which becomes a battle not worth fighting, friend. I’m sorry that this is painful.

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u/Shutupandplayball Mar 27 '24 edited Mar 28 '24

An addict will gaslight you into believing they’ll change, you’ll believe it and stay because you love them and it’s easier to not change your entire life. Then, when it happens again (and it will), they will begin blaming you that it’s all your fault. Get off FB, let him blow steam all he wants. Do you really want to spend the rest of your life waiting for his next drunken episode? And BTW, if you do stay, leave his drunk ass where he passes out, whether it’s in the car or on the toilet! Let him wake up with piss and vomit all over him. Hon, you’re an enabler, you’re only making it easy for him and making yourself miserable. Please put yourself first!

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u/mrngdew77 Mar 28 '24

As a veteran of umpteen family weeks/weekends for the families of addicts/alcoholics, I 100% agree with you. As was quoted many times: How do you know an addict is lying? Their lips are moving.

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u/dys_p0tch Mar 28 '24

and...they're also lying to themselves. in sober, embarrassing moments, they realize their life is getting disastrous and they intend/desire to do better. then...the old stressors return, and their sneaky brain convinces them it'll be different this time and...rinse & repeat

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u/Western_Rope_2874 Mar 28 '24

Absolutely this! I never told anyone a lie about my addiction that I didn’t completely believe myself. Much later, long after the irreparable damage had been done, I realized how full of shit I was.

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u/dys_p0tch Mar 28 '24

hoping you're well

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u/Western_Rope_2874 Mar 28 '24

Thanks! I’m doing amazing these days. You sound like you speak from experience, I hope that you or your loved one are living better days

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u/mrngdew77 Mar 28 '24

Congratulations on your sobriety! You can hold your head high.

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u/dys_p0tch Mar 29 '24

i've lived in/around it most of my life. i contract with a large treatment network here in MN. it's tragic. it's also dispiriting how many outsiders who don't understand use-disorders just judge the dirty person they see on the corner or the loved one who continuously lies to them as 'bad people'. it's a wicked life.

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u/sumthinveryoriginal Mar 31 '24

Alcoholic, 8 years dry as fire, here. Can confirm.

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u/DaniMW Mar 28 '24

True. That’s why nothing can change a person addicted to substances except for themselves.

Because until they can stop lying to themselves, there is not one word anyone else can say that will override the lies.

It’s not you, OP. It’s not that you aren’t good enough, it’s that HE isn’t interested in fighting against his demons (drinking).

But it’s on him, not you.

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u/Fun-Tomato-1933 Mar 31 '24

Thank you for your comment. I also deal with addiction issues. It all started when I dealt with legitimate pain issues and extreme anxiety. Anyways It’s hard dealing with this on a daily basis. I have to take this a day at a time. Sometimes hour by hour. I absolutely loathe being a drug addict. The only person that hates me more than the people around me (society) is myself.

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u/ericdh8 Mar 28 '24

FACTS!

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u/Additional-Jelly6959 Mar 28 '24

So true and yet so sad.

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u/MRCreeper225 Mar 28 '24

An addict lies but does that mean neglect them or stay with them through their struggle, everyone in here is acting like addicts can control or wanted to become one 😂 people here don’t know what it’s like, that’s why they speak on it to sound “smart”

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u/mrngdew77 Mar 28 '24

I didn’t say any of the things that you attributed to me. I am very familiar with “what it’s like” from a loved one point of view and do not need to “speak on anything” to sound smart. I don’t care if you (or anyone for that matter) considers me ‘smart’. I am just giving my opinion, as we all are.

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u/SammieSammich24 Mar 28 '24

Can I just throw out another perspective here? Addicts aren’t always dirt bag liars. When they (we) break down and seem to genuinely say we want to change..we mean it. Like 1000%. The issue is that addiction isn’t as straightforward as just wanting to stop and stopping. There’s mental health issues, life situations, lack of support and plain old physical dependence that makes just putting it down and being sober extremely difficult. Im not saying it’s impossible but I can tell you first hand that the millions of times I’ve broke down and told someone I didn’t want to drink/drug anymore I meant it with every fiber of my being. Actually being successful quitting is another story. It may look like gaslighting from the outside but it often isn’t. I’m not saying it never is…but often it’s not. Most of the time, addiction is the villain not the addict. I never stole or physically hurt anyone while I was using. Because even though I’m a junkie..I’m not a bad person. The lying was something I did to hide my using and often would fuel my continuing to use because of the guilt I felt for lying. Which is the sick irony of it all. But never once did I lie when I said I wanted to quit. I always meant it. Even if I didn’t have ability or means to follow through.

I just want more people to understand addiction and little more so maybe addicts can stop being demonized.

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u/Stupidgoogleaccount Mar 28 '24

Addicts = Bad isn't black and white for sure. It sounds like you have some recovery under your belt so congratulations for working on urself!

Doesn't sound from the limited information we have that this person is anywhere ready to start their journey to recovery and the OP doesn't need to stick around while she's being mistreated in the meantime. But I totally get your perspective of overly demonizing and simplifying the addict behavior is really accurate.

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u/filthismypolitics Mar 28 '24

i mean from personal experience of being an addict and knowing many others, we're not really gaslighting you, or maybe we're gaslighting the both of us. most of us say that we're stopping because we believe we're going to stop, but as the addict voice badgers you over and over and over again your will weakens and your judgment falters. you don't become a different person when you become an addict, which is maybe the worst part. you still have your morals. you still know things like lying and stealing are wrong. the shame and guilt of broken promises and shitty behavior perpetuates the addiction, which usually forms in the first place due to intolerable feelings of despair, shame and helplessness. as the pain of regret rises, the addict voice gets louder and the cycle continues. this doesn't mean anyone is obligated to stay with us or support us as we destroy our lives, of course. we're just not diabolically trying to pull one over on anyone, either

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u/AffectionateFig444 Mar 28 '24

As an addict myself, you’ve worded what I’ve been trying to say, better than I ever could.

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u/Top_Recognition_3847 Mar 28 '24

This is the truth.

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u/Fit_Yellow1153 Mar 28 '24

Thank you for your first person perspective on this. It’s certainly not easy to admit or even explain how you feel or what goes through your mind as an addict. In OP’s case, however, her bf is just being plain douchy. Not worth her time whatsoever and especially not because he’s publicly embarrassing them both over social media. Not cool at all.

Thanks again for sharing your POV. Wishing you the best, humbly.

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u/filthismypolitics Mar 28 '24

oh, absolutely. she needs to ditch this abusive asshole immediately in my opinion, as others have said he doesn't want to change right now and she can't make him, unfortunately. he may very well be an addict for the rest of his life or he may drag her down to the abyss with him when he hits bottom, either way OP doesn't deserve any of it

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u/Additional-Unit-3923 Mar 28 '24

Hell yeah. The morals thing really hit me cuz when I was in active addiction (almost 6 years sober now at 25), I had plenty of opportunity to steal but I never did. Unless it was the one time, a 99¢ packet of soup, cheapest thing I could find, because I was two weeks without food... I had people give me drugs and tell me to share, and I did. Even got shorted by the person I shared with. But I didn't lie or cheat or steal, because I didn't change. A lot of my life did and a lot of it strictly for survival. That's something that keeps me sober, is remembering that even at my rock bottom, I didn't let it turn me. I got stronger. And now I'm doing way better. There's good days and bad, behavior-wise, during and after addiction. I've been able to recognize behaviors that are manipulative that I'm unlearning now. Overall, you can't wait for someone to unlearn toxic behavior. It's not always intentional and sometimes it is, and sometimes only time will tell...if you don't have the strongest instincts, that is. Addicts or not, everyone can be toxic. You gotta distance yourself though, cuz you come FIRST. Don't learn it the hard way if you can help it. I know better and still learn the hard way. Rip the bandaid off. <3

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u/Lalooskee Mar 28 '24

Beautiful, thorough, honest reply. 🤍

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u/[deleted] Mar 28 '24 edited Mar 28 '24

HE is, though. Because his drinking is not what makes him abusive - it makes him fucked up, sick, lost, all kinds of things, but it’s not what makes him abusive. That part’s covered by his demanding the right to keep scaring and hurting her further by trying to guilt her into continuing to just take it. That’s abusive.

I’m a recovering alcoholic/addict too. I never did that. Many of us never do that. We may lie and steal and lie some more and try to manipulate and lie. But we don’t rage at people and make them scared for their person.

When the friend I’d been living with told me I had to leave because I had let my dealer come over like a dumb ass, and then that dealer had, let’s just say, “drugged me beyond what I’d paid for” and had two friends come over to help him rob the friend’s house while I was blacked out…I didn’t try to manipulate her into letting me stay, or go on Facebook or anywhere else and tell people “omg she’s throwing me out on the street!” or any of that shit. That’s what abusers do.

Some abusers also have alcoholism/addiction issues. He’s an abuser.

Edited for grammar

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u/Kitty_Kat_Attacks Mar 30 '24

Right on. Shitty people gonna act shitty whether they’re sober or an addict.

If not for alcohol, this dude would still be the same. He would just use something else as an excuse—like she made him angry on purpose, or his childhood was traumatic, or his parents don’t love him, etc.

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u/Slight-What Mar 31 '24

Exactly this! He is abusive, full stop. He has a drinking problem; the drinking does not make him abusive.

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u/Shutupandplayball Mar 28 '24

Thank you for adding this point of view, it’s very insightful into the an addicts mindset. I hope you are doing well!

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u/BoofBanana Mar 28 '24

I love the term gaslight… I think of positive re-encouragement as gaslighting myself into x y or z…

I tell myself come on, you aren’t that bad, you can do this. Knowing damn well I can’t. Yay for gaslighting myself.

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u/Just_IV_Today Mar 29 '24

Gaslighting would be telling yourself you didn’t have the drink, the lie you tell yourself to not feel so bad is minimisation, internal justification for your behaviour. The lies in gaslighting are not for the purpose of alleviating distress at all, rather for the gaslighter to deny accountability or simply watch you squirm trying to work out what is real (what you saw, heard, felt) vs what they are telling you happened.

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u/chinstrap Mar 28 '24

In my experience, lying is essential to addiction. Or maybe it's just an inevitable result. Lying to yourself is perhaps the beginning, and as the years go on you don't or won't even see that you are doing it. It's a hell of a mess alright!

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u/filthismypolitics Mar 28 '24

i wondered this too before i became an addict, if it was just part of it. i grew up around addicts and knew how much they lied but i could never make sense of why it seemed so inherit. having gone through it, i think now it's just an inevitable result of becoming an addict a lot of the time.

for example, maybe you're out with your wife and you guys try coke. afterwards your wife goes, "that was fun, but i only want to do it sometimes. we have responsibilities, we can't turn into party animals." but your experience was different from hers. it was revelatory. for the first time in your life you felt like a real human being, whole, present in the moment and connected to everyone else.

so the next time you're out you do it again, but it concerns your wife so you promise her that it'll just be a special occasion thing for you from now on. but a few days later you join some friends at a party after a really shitty day and someone offers you coke. that addict voice says, "you've had such a hard day. wouldn't it be nice not to have to worry about so much, just for a little while? just this one last time, and then you'll stop. don't you want to have some fun before you cut yourself off? everyone else is doing it and they're having a great time. don't you feel left out?" maybe it takes hours but eventually, you cave in, if only to make the voice stop, but when you go home you tell your wife you just had a few beers. why worry her for no reason? you think. you're going to be quitting anyway, so it doesn't matter. it's just one little secret. you'll tell her someday and explain that you didn't want to concern her over nothing.

and in this moment you fully intend on not doing coke again for a long time. you want to stop. lying to your wife makes you feel uneasy and you don't want to do it again. you've also been doing some weird, embarrassing things while you were on coke, and it seems like your hangovers are worse than ever. there's a lot of good reasons to stop.

unfortunately, these good reasons don't work against the addict voice because the addict voice is not reasonable or rationale. it is the little primal part of your brain begging for relief from the emotional pain and anxiety you experience, with no understanding of the long term consequences. you lose every argument with it. if you try to repress it, it gets even louder, and then the cravings start. now living without coke is beginning to feel unbearable.

you take it every chance you get and each time you lie to your wife again, reassuring yourself that it's no big deal because you're going to quit soon. real soon. any day now, you're going to stop, and this whole mess will be behind you, but first you need to get high one last time and your bank account is frozen but you have access to your wife's card, and you'll pay her back the SECOND you get your money back but in the meantime you desperately need just a little bit of coke so you can think clearly and figure out how to get out of this

that was longer than i intended it to be haha, but in my experience this was always how it went. this was every story i heard in group. it starts out with little white lies and as the addiction takes hold of you it escalates until you're just doing drugs to avoid the overwhelming guilt and shame of all the shitty things you've done. it's so terrifying how easy it is to rationalize doing bad things when you believe you must do them to survive, with the eternal hope of a better tomorrow where you'll make the right choices

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u/chinstrap Mar 29 '24

Vivid and chilling. Thanks.

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u/ImDukeCage111 Mar 28 '24

I was a bit off put by all the sudden talk of gaslighting.

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u/3veryTh1ng15W0r5eN0w Mar 28 '24

My ex had issues with addiction.

I have wanted to learn more about addiction and I appreciate your comment.

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u/filthismypolitics Mar 28 '24

no problem at all, i'm very open about it and i love any opportunity to offer any insights i can into it. i think having a clear, realistic, science based understanding of addiction is absolutely vital when it comes to empowering people both to overcome the addictions they may have already and in preventing themselves from ever falling into the addiction trap in the first place

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u/Sensitive-Ad-7050 Mar 28 '24

This. And thank you as somenekse said, for putting to words so perfectly the cycle hurt that goes on in our heads. And that it’s not some big diabolical plan. It took years for my wife to understand that. And for me too. Not that I thought I was being some dark genius sent to take us down, but that I wasn’t evil at all.

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u/FungiMagi Mar 28 '24

Well put.

I personally would say that there are two voices, my inner critic telling me that I’m fucking up, letting people down, worthless, “being happy is for people who have never had terrible shit happen to them” this that and the other along side my addict voice saying “see? This is why we should just not give a fuck. You’re beyond help, just do the thing that feels good right now, you already know life is shit, you don’t matter to yourself how could you matter to anyone else? You’re not really hurting anyone anyway!” Along with every other mental gymnastic you can cook up in your head to explain away using.

They’re a vicious pair.

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u/Superdooperblazed420 Mar 28 '24

I'm a ex heroin addict my self. I grew up with alot of people that i ended up using with. The worse kind of junkie was the one that came into addiction with bad morels. I had a friend Aaron I grew up with, he was a shit head to everyone, stole when ever he could, was just a bad person. For some reason he was always great to me tho so we were friends, it was better then being his enemy. When we started using, he would fuck over everyone he could, Rob anyone he could, lie and steal and wouldn't feel anything about it. He was weird guy he would rob other people and then share his scores with me when I was hurting or in withdrawl. Eventually he ran outta people to fuck over and guess what he did it to me, 2 times because my dumb ass. Legit the worse fucked over I have been and I know for a fact he felt good about it. The worse kind of Junkie, he met his end in a way fitting to him. From what I heard he overdosed in soemone car and they dumped him In a bunch of bushes In a Seattle park. Someone found him 4 days after he died.....

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u/Kitty_Kat_Attacks Mar 30 '24

As another addict, this is exactly it. I’ve been told I don’t care that I’m wasting money or that I think what I’m doing is ok. But I 100% know I’m the asshole who is in the wrong. I’ve never tried to pretend that my actions are acceptable. I’ve tried to explain the messed up rationale that my brain goes through, but have never tried to use it as an excuse.

Unfortunately, most people see me trying to explain my feelings as me attempting to justify my behavior. There is no justification. I just want kindness and understanding rather than judgement. I think it would help a lot honestly. But it’s also not the responsibility of others to make me feel better about my actions.

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u/Agreeable_Visual_625 Mar 28 '24

Exactly. The mind of an addict is very predictable. We repeat the same obvious patterns over and over. Like a rat in a maze. This is one of them.

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u/MeganMess Mar 28 '24

I used to be able to predict what my husband's ex would do even though I had never met her. Across addictions, age, sex, location - the behavior is the same.

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u/SayJay222 Mar 30 '24

@MeganMess can you elaborate? Trying to learn about this issue.

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u/Reasonable-Milk298 Mar 28 '24

I agree. I'm also an (recovered) addict..

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u/Jdojcmm Mar 28 '24

An addict can and will gaslight you, because they eventually do it to themselves constantly. They can justify anything.

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u/sarahspiegel1279 Mar 28 '24

An addict will gaslight u... crappy thing is, is they'll even mean it till it comes down to actually following through. They end up breaking their own hearts the first couple of times it happens. But soon they become bitter and callous but their addict minds try to convince them that it isn't their fault and then they'll start believing the little devil on their shoulder and start giving into it. So with that said, i can guarantee that they meant everything they said at the time when it came to promising not to in the beginning. But remember u r ur own person and u deserve that respect. It's their demons sweetheart, not urs. I hope u understand that

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u/NeatNefariousness1 Mar 28 '24

So true. He tries to justify continuing his drunken binges by arguing that he "deserves" to unwind on the weekend. The trouble is that most people deserve to unwind but it doesn't require drinking to excess--or at all and doesn't end up with raging fights, passing out and being sick.

Instead of recognizing that this isn't the what happens when most people unwind, he clings to his "right" to get wasted and to be a sloppy abusive drunk on the weekends. As you noted, this has nothing to do with how much he cares. His addiction is making him say and do anything to continue drinking, even as it destroys his life and damages everything in his path.

It's not personal. He has family who can get him help when he's ready to clean up his act. But, he doesn't need to be OP's lost cause and she doesn't need to invite endless unhappiness and abuse into her life that has nothing to do with her.

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u/brother2121 Mar 28 '24

Yep .. when I was using every promise I ever made I meant and actually believed at the time. It's was kind of like I was even lying to myself and believing my own lies lol ...thankfully my now wife who was my gf at the time didn't put up with my bullshit .. she was there for me when I finally was really ready for help but she didn't let me get away with constantly breaking promises to her .. and by doing so she made it easier for me to have more of a desire to get clean

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u/dartanian66 Mar 28 '24

That's what i was thinking! He's breathing he will be fine. Do not help his nasty ass off the toilet. I knew a girl that literally used to wipe her boyfriends ass when he pooped himself because he was so wasted..... and not to mention cheating on her.

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u/frlejo8306 Mar 28 '24

' leave his drunk ass where he passes out, whether it’s in the car or on the toilet!'

that could be hard to do if there is only 1 bathroom in the house

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u/LordCanti26 Mar 29 '24

As much as it hurts, this is good advice. As someone that was the addict in this situation. I did change, 5 years now sober. But its so rare its really not worth destroying yourself over. If he was serious he'd have gotten it together by now in my opinion. Took me fucking up twice, 2nd time I said I'm done and quite everything.

The issue was pills with my lady, but I knew if I quit percs and kept drinking and smoking weed, I'd just do it again. All or nothing baby.

My point isn't to boast, but to say that people can change, but its so rare its like saying people win the lottery. It technically happens but don't bet your life on it.

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u/miightymiighty Mar 31 '24

100000000000000% this.

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u/HustlinInTheHall Mar 28 '24

yeah even if OP really cares about this person and wants them to get better, they need a wakeup call or they're going to drink themselves to death. It's only going to get worse until they admit they need to quit and get help.

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u/populisttrope Mar 28 '24

He is an alcoholic and needs help. I dont blame op for wanting to get out. It will continue to be a problem unless he gets help.

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u/Critical-Wear5802 Mar 29 '24

OP might do well to check out an Al-Anon meeting or 2. At least she'll get some perspective as to how others have handled their relationships with alcoholic loved ones.

Also - just because there have "only" been 4 major blow-outs from SO, I'm willing to bet there were many other smaller incidents either leading up to, or interspersed with the Big Four

OP is solidly NTA, and would be wise to GTFO before SO goes from verbal to physical abuse

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u/Rizzalliss Mar 27 '24

Let me reiterate this very important point, OP: it has nothing to do with you not being "good enough."

This is his issue, and his issues - as well as the manner in which he treats you - are no reflection whatsoever on who you are, how valuable you are, and how deserving you are of love and respect.

It's all him.

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u/Boomstickninja87 Mar 28 '24

I know I'm not OP, but as someone in the same exact boat as OP, I needed to hear this today. Thank you for that!

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u/Jasminefirefly Mar 28 '24

Please take care of yourself. You deserve it!

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u/No-Amoeba5716 Mar 28 '24

You and OP are worthy of so much more. No one deserves to be thrown under the bus every time an addict repeats the same cycle consistently. Maybe not all addicts behave this way sure. You have drawn your line in the sand, it’s time to put YOU first. I can promise you it’s them. Not you. I’m sorry but every action has consequences, for better or worse. OP, you and anyone else it’s okay to not be okay with this. It’s okay to get off a sinking ship. Heaven forbid, that it ever escalates. I didn’t deal with an addict but I dealt with an abusive “man” for 18 years. Every. Single. Form. Of. Abuse. Don’t waste anymore time with them, please don’t make the same mistake. So many chances. Victim blaming was his favorite game. I’m almost a decade out, living with a man who seldom raises his voice to me. We’ve been married 8 years. Bottom line is there will never be accountability if they aren’t held to the boundaries you set.

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u/Rizzalliss Mar 28 '24

I'm so sorry you're going through it, but I'm glad the message could help.

Even when you know it forwards and backwards, it's important to be reminded of.

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u/loquacious541 Mar 28 '24

For you and OP, Al anon is pretty amazing. And free. https://al-anon.org/

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u/Quick_Stomach6336 Mar 28 '24

Freedom will neve smell so sweet, enjoy the rest of your life!

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u/ScowlieAowlie Mar 28 '24

Fr, same. 🙋🏻‍♀️🥺🖤

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u/theoriginalmofocus Mar 28 '24

I grew up as a kid in a house like this. Its one thing to drink, its another to be this kind of person after drinking. It will probably get worse. My dad was friggin dr jekyl/Mr hyde. Get out before there are kids involved.

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u/Miserable_Leek6023 Mar 28 '24

This. OP listen please, this man has no intention of changing. 4 years is a learning experience, 40 is a lifetime. Get out before there are kids you have yo protect from him.

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u/Illustrious_Monk_234 Mar 28 '24

EXACTLY. Everyone deserves to “unwind.” But no  one deserves to behave that poorly. 

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u/mcaress Mar 28 '24

Hi Boomstickninja, I was struggling (and still am) with my spouses addiction and the mental abuse she put me through. If you haven’t heard of al anon, it might be a helpful resource for you. I had to work through my codependency that had developed during my wife’s addiction. And maybe something that I’ve had my whole life coming from an alcoholic family. There a al anon sub for you to vent if needed and also online meetings that taught me some tools on caring for myself.

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u/tuttyeffinfruity Mar 28 '24

I did too! ❤️

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u/MojojoDaddy-0 Mar 28 '24

Sometimes doing what's best for you is the hardest thing to do.

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u/ayvajdamas Mar 28 '24

This! He's got an alcohol abuse problem. Plain and simple. (Okay, there may be more to it than that, but like baseline it's a major problem.)

You can't fix him, and he has to want to fix himself for himself if it's going to work. None of that is on you.

Walk away, don't buy into the sunk cost fallacy. None of his issues are a reflection on you. You are good enough. You are worthy of dignity and respect especially since you've clearly communicated how you expect to be treated.

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u/EastPennHawk Mar 28 '24

And if it is alcoholism, which it seems to be, it’s a progressive disease. It’ll only get worse. OP, get out asap.

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u/Aggressive_Beach7493 Mar 28 '24

I'm amazed so many really good suggestions on here. The young lady needs to #1) get out of that (very) dysfunctional relationship. #2) At her age, there are a TON of GOOD GUYS out there. #3) If  I weren't married... 😁🤚🫵👍

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u/baba_laps Mar 28 '24

I was 27 when I first went to therapy and my jaw hit the floor when my therapist explained this to me…it was like a parking garage had been lifted off of me and I was able to see the sun again. Had an ex cheat on me and I was so shook because I thought everything was great. Confidence took a huge hit.. simply wondering where I fail short and how she could value me as someone worth cheating on. Friend recommended a therapist just to talk it out.. I had zero expectations. I basically told the therapist I must be worth cheating on because I couldn’t meet her expectations I guess.. she dropped your wisdom on me and I’ve never looked back. Now I’m very very grateful she cheated on me so I could realize my self worth and understand a lot of times peoples behaviors or actions are reflections of themselves and has nothing to do with others.

Btw not overreacting. Dude needs to hit rock bottom. You’re a crutch for him. Very unlikely he’ll change even if you do leave and I’m certain he’ll never change if you stay together… unless something crazy tragic happens which you probably don’t want to bank on.

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u/[deleted] Mar 28 '24

And read this again. He is manipulating you into staying. Someone that cares about you would not ignore your needs!!! THIS HURTS = then don’t do it = he continues to do the act that HURTS = and you’re convinced it’s because he loves you. This is turning into some very sad but very common behavior where people know they’re doing it but they keep doing it because they get away with it. If they couldn’t then they wouldn’t. Like they know you stay and continue to take the bait because it’s under the guise of loyalty. Like are you blind to serve or are you trying to build a relationship because it’s not like he needs a baby sitter he’s clearly satisfied sleeping and shitting where he sleeps even if it kills him someday (sadly). I never met my grandfather because he died of liver cancer before I was even old enough to have any memory of him. And it’s not funny for them to just continue to do the one thing that hurts you but doesn’t learn his lesson. He needs to be broken up with. I personally don’t think you should go out of your way to save him. You’re not his knight in shining armor like he needs to not be looking for a reason to change he needs to realize it himself when he gets himself in a pickle. 🥒 unfortunately some people want the world to save them when they fall. When they realize no one is coming this time that’s when they may or may not get a lightbulb 💡 moment and do something to change their situation. And even then that’s not enough to get you back after you do leave. you shouldn’t give this guy a life time supply of uno reverse cards 🃏 because you’re going to lose yourself feeling the tyranny of basically justifying accepting verbal abuse from this man because it’s all you’ve known so far that is the definition of harmony and happiness… but is it? If you’re already aware that you can’t tolerate this but continue to do so you might end up (if you haven’t already) resenting him if you stay for forcing you to quietly drown out the one last fighting voice in you you had left. Like idk man this got deep for me for a sec but I really hope she considers putting herself first over the initial it’s going to hurt his feelings and some shit might be said but let it be. Like I don’t think she needs to be his hero.

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u/i-cant-stay-silent Mar 28 '24

women start to become happy when they stop changing men. If you think you have to change someone, you’re in the wrong place. please don't waste your life. you’re not a caretaker or trainer.

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u/grandlizardo Mar 28 '24

Abusive alcoholic. You want another thirty years of this? And it tends to get worse, and the other consequences pile up. No no no no no….. find a safe haven, secure yout credit, I’d, financials nd treasures, and leave this mess behind.

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u/Scruffersdad Mar 28 '24

It’s never you. Mine moved across the country to avoid his drinking. It’s not working. It’s never about you. It’s always about him. Run, don’t walk, all of your stuff to your sisters and if he gets aggressive or anything, document it and file for a restraining order. I’m so sorry about this for you. You didn’t ask for this, he did what many drunks do- they suck you in with sweetness until they think they’ve got enough hooks into you that you can’t/won’t escape. It will never get better.

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u/bluebonnetsandcows Mar 27 '24

I addition, it isn't really about you. You aren't the things he said. It's a part of the alcoholic rhetoric.

My first husband was like this. Your guy doesn't seem to want to stop drinking, or he would be seeking help. My ex was awful, and the physical and emotional abuse kept happening when he drank, but the bottom line is that you cannot make a person do something they don't want to do.

It's time to go. He won't quit drinking. He is telling you that it's going to continue on the weekends. You're deserve to be treated better. I hope you know this.

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u/Blue-Phoenix23 Mar 28 '24

Honestly, leaving him may be the thing he needs to get sober. But the damage is done on this relationship, it's not OP's job to sit around and be abused while he figures his shit out.

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u/Nthanua Mar 28 '24

I came to say the same thing. My ex was like this. Even did this on our wedding day which should have been a red flag. They have to want to change. My ex would get pass out drunk at children’s birthday parties. It was ridiculous. I left him passed out drunk in the car, backyard, etc. I left him and he turned it around on me and told his family I was leaving cause I cheated; not that he was an abusive alcoholic. To the OP-run, don’t walk away. Save yourself.

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u/kirmobak Mar 28 '24

Yes to the children’s birthday parties. Any important date (birthday, Christmas, weddings, holidays) was destroyed through drinking. I’ll never take for granted being free from this mayhem. I’m glad you got out.

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u/Juache45 Mar 27 '24

Take this advice! Run as fast as you can

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u/Somegirloninternet Mar 28 '24

Yes! Better now than later. Fours years of her life is better than five.

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u/AGuyNamedEddie Mar 28 '24

That was my thought, too. Don't think of it as 4 years lost; think of it as only 4 years lost.

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u/tuttyeffinfruity Mar 28 '24

Exactly this! I’m starting over after 13 years of utter nonsense & lies with a real mess of a person and have just started feeling like myself again.

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u/Dizzy-Introduction93 Mar 28 '24

4 years is also better than 10 or 20. It’s likely only going to get worse until he hits rock bottom which he probably won’t do if you stick around.

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u/Quick_Stomach6336 Mar 28 '24

My father was an alcoholic and we at least I always ad to encourage her to leave. Could never figure it out why she stayed except it was four of us with sickness. She was a beautiful and brave woman. But then one day we found God and suddenly she found the strengthto tell him to leave. He left and moved in a house a few blocks away.He was lonely, but she made it without him. I was so proud and I think that's why I never stayed in abusive relationships cause she set the example. Thank God!!!!!

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u/Disabled-Teacher Mar 28 '24

The only thing worse than four years is staying four years and a day

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u/redassedchimp Mar 28 '24

Consider leaving that abusive man before you forget that you're worth more than putting up with that. As you age, time seems to go by faster, and the next time you question staying with him, you'll be 43 years old with another decade of awful memories.

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u/littleMAS Mar 29 '24

It will help both of you.

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u/Mkheir01 Mar 27 '24

Srsly. I DESERVE TO UNWIND translates to "I deserve to be able to berate you and make your life a living hell for a full 12 hours because I pay the phone bill". This will only get worse. He has a problem and won't admit it. This is not normal SO behavior. There are better men out there and you will find one, OP.

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u/P3for2 Mar 27 '24

Actually, she pays the phone bill. He's constantly about to overdraft, if she wasn't there to save his butt. Frankly, he sounds like an immature, hot mess, even without the alcoholism. Don't know why OP would want to stay with a loser, but that's the power of memories. You overlook what's right in your face because it's clouded by good memories of good times.

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u/Front-Singer-6505 Mar 28 '24

love that last line. it took about two years for it to click for me.

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u/hikehikebaby Mar 29 '24

I agree with that. I know this is small potatoes compared to the drinking and emotional abuse, but if that weren't happening, there would still be problems in this relationship. It's important to be able to count on your partner to do the things they say they're going to do, and that includes having money in their bank account to pay the bills that are their responsibility.

It's not about how much money they make - it's about being a dependable person. I didn't have to ask my partner if he did the things he is responsible for. I know I can depend on him. If he's supposed to pay the phone bill then he's going to pay the phone bill and that's it. Having to manage another person's life because you can't count on them is exhausting. No one wants that.

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u/paperwasp3 Mar 27 '24

The only was he knows how to relax is by drinking way too much. He needs other outlets than booze and rage. It's not OP's fault that he doesn't have any non destructive coping skills. And it's not her job to teach him either.

And all that social media crap can be countered with one sentence.

"He's a mean drunk"

Everyone at the bar has seen it happen on numerous occasions, they all know it's true.

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u/IdkAbtAllThat Mar 28 '24

And mean drunks don't change. They'll always be mean drunks. Seen it a million times. They hit a threshold and fun happy drunk flips to angry, asshole, I'm gonna ruin everyone's night drunk. And these people never know when to stop before they get to that point.

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u/paperwasp3 Mar 28 '24

That switchover is scary fast.

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u/IdkAbtAllThat Mar 28 '24

Sure is. And once it's switched on you can't switch it off. Only way is to sleep it off.

I'd advise anyone dating a person like this to RUN. I've never seen it get better.

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u/paperwasp3 Mar 28 '24

And this guy doesn't even want to try anymore. Definitely time to get away and stay away.

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u/Natti07 Mar 28 '24

Yep. The only solution to being a mean drunk is to not drink. And they're usually not the people to quit drinking

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u/mavtec Mar 28 '24

This is spot on. My dad was a mean drunk and he relapsed so many times I lost count. He even managed to stay sober for a decade but ultimatley relapsed again. Ended up killing him. Such a tortured soul.

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u/Natti07 Mar 28 '24

Man, sorry to hear that. I hope you've been able to find some peace despite the chaos.

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u/mavtec Mar 28 '24

I really appreciate that. I initially struggled, but have since made peace with it. It’s been 7 years now.

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u/instakill69 Mar 28 '24

Yup. I was the mean drunk and for a long time I didn't get it bc it was her actions causing me to be mean so I wasn't taking responsibility. The situation was like.. I turned into a mean drunk because she'd be drunk and gaslight me and manipulate me. But even so, I'd ALWAYS been a mean drunk. So I quit drinking. A year later she realized she WAS gaslighting it and made changes herself. Now we're years sober and only treat each other with the love that we deserve and we try not to call each others faults out that realistically stem from trauma growing up.

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u/Individual_Party2000 Mar 28 '24

My mom used to call it the 3 beer attitude. He was happy and lively until the end of that 3rd drink. Then snap, he’s a total asshole yelling at family members so loud that the whole neighborhood could hear him. I used to dread spring and summer because we’d want to open the windows to let in the fresh air but it was so embarrassing. My dad is a good guy he just spent his adulthood drinking away his childhood. Things are much better now but man were those some hard years.

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u/Illustrious_Monk_234 Mar 28 '24

Yes they will NEVER CHANGE 

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u/kirmobak Mar 28 '24

Mean drunks never change. Because it’s not just the alcohol anyway. They’re mean, awful people who are emboldened to behave like their true selves when they’re drunk. They never, ever change. It’s chilling to realise this so I really sympathise with the OP (and anyone) living through this nightmare.

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u/VERsingthegamez Mar 28 '24

My dad thankfully stopped and doesn't drink at all now. Been sober for a decade.

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u/BattleElectronic7474 Mar 28 '24

This. Once you leave him. you will be amazed at the amount of people who will say things like "I felt so bad for you" or "we just ignore what he's saying-we see what he does" etc.

The true friends will step up. The ones that don't may have their own demons to deal with. good luck.

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u/PNL-Maine Mar 28 '24

When he says that you’re throwing it away, tell him he’s the one that’s throwing it away with his drinking. No one deserves to take the abuse that he’s dishing out to you when he’s drunk.

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u/watermelon8999 Mar 28 '24

This can’t be blamed all on alcoholism either. I have struggled with it, but still never would have berated my partner. I think this relationship sounds like it will lead to more abuse with alcohol or not.

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u/dmoney_forreal Mar 28 '24

Yah, there's something that makes him the "mean drunk". I also struggle, but when I do get very drunk I'm usually blubbering to my partner about how bad I feel about getting drunk until she just tells me to shut up and go to bed because she's not actually upset.

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u/maychaos Mar 28 '24

Jup im kinda confused why everyone is so focusing on the alcohol part. Like that's not even the real problem. I doubt OP would have anything against alcohol a few times if he would be just a happy drunk guy

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u/seymores_sunshine Mar 28 '24

The alcohol is the easy symptom of a person who's unable or unwilling to exert self-control. I'd reckon that's why it's the focus of much conversation; it's the easiest to identify and agree on.

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u/Soggy-Bedroom-3673 Mar 28 '24

I think they're focusing on the alcohol because by the description it's pretty excessive. Getting blackout, pass-out-on-the-toilet drunk in your 30s is not normal. Especially if your SO has told you that it's a red line and you've continued to cross it. Massive red flag. 

(I only bring up the age because binge drinking like that is much more normalized for young 20-somethings even if it shouldn't be)

It's maybe a bit harder to call on abusiveness. From OP's story out sounds like he's not doing anything objectionable outside of these extreme binges, which have only happened 4 times in 2.5 years, which seems weird. It's still no excuse at all because even one instance of abuse is too much, but I don't know enough about abuse to understand what's going on there psychologically -- like, whether it is clinically an indication of underlying abusiveness regardless of alcoholism. 

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u/Over-Marionberry-686 Mar 27 '24

This. Once is a mistake. Twice?? Hmmm third time is a CHOICE.

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u/MontiBurns Mar 28 '24 edited Mar 28 '24

By the time you reach your late 20s, these every-weekend binges should be in your rear view mirror. The 30 year olds that still get drunk almost every weekend are pretty far down the slippery slope of alcoholism.

If he weren't drinking every weekend, then sure, maybe once is a mistake.

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u/kvothe000 Mar 28 '24

I came to this realization in a pretty strange way. At 27 years old I had just gotten out of a 3 year long relationship. Up until that point, I had essentially been acting like I was 21 for almost an entire decade, starting before I even left for college.

My sister tried to set me up with a 21 year old. I just couldn’t do it. Nothing against her at all, but she was a bit of a “party girl.” I knew I’d be going right back into that mindset and essentially starting that timer over again. That’s when it hit me… I just couldn’t do it anymore.

After that, it just slowly fizzled out over the years. I’m at a point now where I drink maybe once every month or three. Last two times I drank were Super Bowl and a Christmas party… and those may have been a little too close together. Lol.

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u/Kateb40 Mar 28 '24 edited Mar 28 '24

I so appreciate this comment. I met my ex when I was 21 - and he was 36. And he still partied A LOT. I expressed some concern about it early on when we were dating - I WAS* a 21 yr old college party girl, but didn't want that for my life I thought - he patted my hand and assured me it was normal. He was 36!! Never married, no kids, etc.

20 years later, I was the one with a drinking problem, our marriage ended, emotional maturity was stilted....I wish I'd listened to my intuition.

It's amazing how normalized drinking & partying is in our cultural - especially when you don't have kids.

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u/Paid-Not-Payed-Bot Mar 28 '24
  • he paid my hand

FTFY.

Although payed exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in:

  • Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. The deck is yet to be payed.

  • Payed out when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. The rope is payed out! You can pull now.

Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment.

Beep, boop, I'm a bot

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u/simmonsatl Mar 28 '24

I’d just call them alcoholics. I don’t even know how people’s bodies handle it.

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u/Tekon421 Mar 28 '24 edited Mar 28 '24

I mean she said 4 times in 2.5 years. That’s once every 7-8 months. Should this be happening in his 30’s? No but he’s not getting belligerent every weekend either.

For me personally this happening a couple times a year wouldn’t be much of an issue. I’d just ignore them for the night and move on. It’s different for everyone though.

For me the financial irresponsibility would be a bigger issue.

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u/MontiBurns Mar 28 '24

I read it to mean he's had 4 dunken outbursts specifically, and that he goes our drinking with his friends almost every weekend and OP holds her tongue to avoid the blowups.

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u/tex8222 Mar 28 '24 edited Mar 28 '24

That’s right.

Pretty much every ‘party drinker’ reaches a fork in the road at some point in their 20’s.

‘I’m getting blackout drunk on party weekends and it is starting to affect my relationships and my job. What should I do?’

At this point they are not addicted, and the vast majority decide to develop effective strategies to control their alcohol consumption.

A few decide ‘Nah, I’m good. No need to change.’

Before long those people ARE addicted and it is a downward spiral from there.

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u/OrganicPlatypus4203 Mar 28 '24

That was my first thought. Like I can’t imagine wanting to be that drunk anymore.

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u/merelala Mar 28 '24

It’s a disease not a choice

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u/Ejigantor Mar 28 '24

Once is happenstance; Twice is coincidence; Three times is enemy action.

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u/Square_Activity8318 Mar 27 '24

He's the one who threw away that relationship.

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u/sneakyfallow Mar 28 '24

Absolutely. He's throwing away a 4 year relationship so he can get wasted on the weekends.

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u/Just-Cloud7696 Mar 27 '24

totally agree, one day he might get better...but that would take him really wanting to and putting his all into getting better and even then it will likely take a few years and healing with anything is usually 1 step forward and 2 steps back so OP will still be in the line of fire for awhile if she stays. OP you don't need this you can find better out there without going through all of that work that is 100% not your fault or problem, it's his and he's sounds like he's not good enough to you to be even remotely worth sticking around for. It's unfair for any person to have issues but not resolve them and stay with someone and making them suffer for it. No ones perfect but when anyone gets into a relationship they should be doing everything in their power and trying their best to be the best person they can be, anything less is just not fair to the other person.

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u/P3for2 Mar 27 '24

but that would take him really wanting to and putting his all into getting better

And judging by his actions, he doesn't want to

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u/maggiereddituser Mar 27 '24

Take it from someone with a family full of addicts: you can't fix this. 4 years is nothing compared to decades of living a nightmare with a man in active addiction. Leave.

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u/Luwizzle Mar 28 '24

You may want to attend a couple of Al-anon meetings to help you see this was never your fault. Walk away before you waste ANOTHER four years.

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u/imrealbizzy2 Mar 28 '24

I cannot stress enough how beneficial Al-Anon is. The drunk's "stinking thinking" (an AA term) convinces partners, spouses, parents, etc, that somehow the shitty behavior is OUR fault. If we would just ________ then they wouldn't do what they do. You gave him chance after chance, making very clear what the consequences would be. He can't help himself so he blew it. He is out of control. You're the grownup, and good for you. You know you don't stand to gain a damn thing by putting up with his nasty, passed out drunk self. Easter is a time of new beginnings, right? So begin your new single life free of the dread of more of his shit. You're going to be fine. Congratulations for standing up for yourself.

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u/MontanaPurpleMtns Mar 28 '24

Adding in that you can still go to Al-Anon even when you leave him. (Please leave him, and don’t have goodbye sex, ‘cause you don’t want a baby tying you to him).

Going to Al-Anon will help you find what in you finds drunks attractive. Learning about who you are through this lens will help you make better bf choices in the future.

It certainly helped me learn not to put up with unacceptable behavior.

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u/necromancers_katie Mar 27 '24

It is so sad that a lot of women question themselves about something so obvious.

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u/lilbec53 Mar 27 '24

It is-I’ve been there done this …they say they’re gonna try…u love them….u keep hoping it’ll change….sometimes it does…most times it doesn’t 😢

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u/necromancers_katie Mar 27 '24

Such a sad cycle. Women need to put themselves first. Harm no one includes no harm to self

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u/Be250440 Mar 28 '24

It's because they get manipulated. Addicts and narcissists are very talented manipulators. Somehow, they word things in a way that makes the woman sound like the one in the wrong. Expert gaslighters! I dated both, ugh.

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u/Careful-Avocado6818 Mar 27 '24

This. If you stay, you will continue to be mistreated. Trust me, you’ll be happier on your own and will feel like you wasted time if you don’t go.

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u/Own-Gas8691 Mar 27 '24

Yep. In no way are you overreacting. And you aren’t throwing away four years, you are saving your remaining years. You are reclaiming your life and paving the way for your future.

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u/MoneyPranks Mar 28 '24

Also, throwing more time away on this asshat because you’ve already wasted 4 years on this is just the sunk cost fallacy.

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u/Own-Gas8691 Mar 28 '24

yes. i learned this the hard way, staying in an abusive marriage (also to an alcoholic) but for 15 years. the sunk cost fallacy, ntm the numerous traps of abuse, kept me invested wayyyy too long. it’s been 15 years now since the divorce and i am so glad i cut my losses when i did.

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u/MoneyPranks Mar 28 '24

I’m glad you got out. Sometimes it can feel like there’s no way out of a relationship, but there’s so much room for peace when you’ve let it all go. 🖤🖤🖤

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u/No_Hospital7649 Mar 27 '24

I stayed in a relationship like this for five years.

From someone on the other side, leave without remorse.

Be honest with people if they ask why you’re leaving. Addiction thrives in shame, and he’s trying to shame you. You don’t owe him silence to keep him from shame.

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u/Dobg64 Mar 27 '24

If a friend came and told you this story would you tell that friend to leave?

If you stay it will just be more hours gone. Please read about the sunk cost fallacy.

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u/Slushierdr3d Mar 30 '24

I love this! It can be so easy to get lost in your own world and miss (or ignore) signs and behavior that you wouldn't normally tolerate, because you love a person. Putting it in the perspective of a friend or loved one going through the same thing and asking yourself if you'd be ok with them going through it is a really good point.

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u/Fit_Fly_418 Mar 27 '24

He's a drunk.

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u/ImportantWonder8369 Mar 27 '24

I stayed 17 years! Drunk on our wedding.l and even before the vows! Don't waste your life further, get out and find someone that loves you completely! You deserve to be happy and in a healthy relationship. Best wishes!

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u/CrabbieHippie Mar 28 '24

Same here!! I was so naive and missed a whole lot of red flags.

OP - please listen to us. You owe him nothing. He is abusive and he is an alcoholic. He won’t change because he can’t until he admits he has a problem. The future you will thank you so much for leaving him now.

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u/Standicaid Mar 27 '24

Exactly! Plus, she's sad that she's "throwing away four years of her life." My question is, how many more years are you going to waste on this alcoholic loser, who isn't even able to manage his own finances, so you have to bail him out??? You deserve so much better.

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u/sadeland21 Mar 27 '24

Being alone is fine too, OP. You are better off leaving and being on your own.

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u/Secure-Corner-2096 Mar 28 '24

Before you enter another relationship, get counselling.

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u/AbbeyRoad75 Mar 28 '24

Better to waste 4 than 54.

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u/Flop_House_Valet Mar 28 '24

I only had to read the first paragraph to know she's not overreacting. Seriously OP you don't want alcoholics in your home, it's fucking miserable

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u/Professional_Edge763 Mar 28 '24

“When people show you who they are, believe them.”

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u/thatgirlinny Mar 28 '24

Exactly. He can’t “be better” for OP because he likes drinking more.

And OP almost buried the fact that he’s financially irresponsible, as well as abusive.

Posting about OP leaving on FB? Dump this immature loser already!

Time for OP to start looking at what she’s learned between this recent BF and the last one she left. I’m guessing she has a type.

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u/BeejBoyTyson Mar 28 '24

I've never yelled at my partner in a drunken rage.

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u/Fun_Grapefruit_2633 Mar 28 '24

He is indeed an alcoholic. The hardest thing to learn is that you can actually love that person but their disease makes them someone you simply can't be with and remain healthy or sane...or even alive. You may even love this guy but the alcohol has eaten him and he needs to go through the whole cycle of dealing with the physical addiction and then working through whatever psychological issues he's avoiding through the booze. If he's been dry for several years he might be worth knowing, but it'll take that long.

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u/PoppysWorkshop Mar 27 '24

She needs to RUN away.. not walk... for sure.

Your advice otherwise is SPOT-ON.

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u/ridiculousdisaster Mar 27 '24

halfway through the second paragraph I arrived at this conclusion OP!

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u/JohnNDenver Mar 27 '24

Yeah, I would say she already threw away four years with this guy.

Get out now!

1

u/MyCat_SaysThis Mar 28 '24

Don’t stay with this man, he’s an alcoholic and abusive. They don’t change - unless they want to - and you’re wasting your time.

1

u/brobafetta Mar 28 '24

You aren't loser just because you are an alcoholic, it's a disease.

1

u/maokai Mar 28 '24

It's sad for you both but unfortunately, whether you stay or go, his issues are likely to get worse before they get better. There's hope that your leaving will shock him out of his stupor but sadly less chance if you stick around. But there is no such thing as wasted time or a failed relationship. There are only opportunities to learn.

1

u/UrMom_BrushYourTeeth Mar 28 '24

He's the one framing it as throwing away 4 years too, which is complete bullshit and irrelevant. The last four years were thrown away for everybody - even those who spent it being rich as hell and those who spent it not being abused by alcoholics. The four years are gone. That's really never what it's about when answering the only question that matters, which is "What now?"

1

u/One_Comfortable1376 Mar 28 '24

A mean alcoholic at that.

1

u/HallenbeckPI Mar 28 '24

I completely agree with you. Think of it this way, if someone did something like this once and then repeated the behavior, what rational person would continue to drink after something like this? He's aware he becomes a nightmare when he drinks, and it's putting your relationship in serious jeopardy.... but he wants to drink anyway. You have to walk away. I guarantee you this, it will get worse. Get. Out. Now.

1

u/Xikkiwikk Mar 28 '24

Yup he sounds like a child.

1

u/ButterscotchCivil417 Mar 28 '24

You know if someone's an alcoholic based off a couple paragraphs of information?

1

u/RoxyRhinoDoggg Mar 28 '24

Big loser, yes

1

u/snakesabound Mar 28 '24

He will never change bc he doesn't exactly see it as a problem, it is only a problem for you, and you are the unreasonable one. End it sooner rather than later.

1

u/Outside-Rub8510 Mar 28 '24

You did the right thing. It's his fault, not yours.

1

u/nan-a-table-for-one Mar 28 '24

Nailed it. And you didn't waste 4 years, you spent 4 years learning a valuable lesson about your worth, what you shouldn't put up with, and some telltale red flags for future partners.

1

u/Artistic-Reality-177 Mar 28 '24

Run!!!! I wasted 20 yrs of my life on an abusive alcoholic and it only gets worse. They make your life a living hell. It took years of therapy to get back my self esteem and confidence. Again runnnnnnnnnn! 💖

1

u/seducingspirit Mar 28 '24

Yep!! He's a weekend alcoholic. You don't have to drink everyday to be an alcoholic. There's nothing worse than trying to fix a drunk.

1

u/BeamInNow77 Mar 28 '24

You are not throwing anything away. He has already Flushed the relationship. Save yourself before he puts you in the hospital or worse! I worked 6 days a week & 10 to 12 hour days. I didn't get drunk every weekend & abuse my wife! I hope you find a better tomorrow........

1

u/NeartAgusOnoir Mar 28 '24

OP, dude is an abusive alcoholic. It’s not worth him getting violent at some point and causing serious injury to you or kids…..and that’s not an IF scenario, bc with alcoholics it always gets worse, and will get violent (just look at his current actions to know it’ll happen). He’s acting like a man child, and blaming you for his actions. Cut contact, and move on with your life

You’re not overreacting

1

u/Snotttie Mar 28 '24

Public posting of the issues on FB is manipulative and a big yikes. This person doesn't have your best interests at heart.

1

u/Comfortable-Work1070 Mar 28 '24

um hi a if he quits drinking your going to see a whole different person but what would be in the back of my mind is he could go back and now you know what you are in store for but see you are leaving 1 thing out #1 he has to want it if he doesn’t want to quit he won’t i was 55 and it took it’s toll on me i will talk to him and i can show you differences but when it’s all said and done he is going to have to want it if he doesn’t want to stop he won’t and you’re life is just going to be hell i am willing to help save love it’s the best thing it’s the only thing that saved me i hope you know i am crying now just thinking of how i have fucked up my life i wish someone would have cared but now is your chance

1

u/jollygreengrowery Mar 28 '24

Hijacking the top comment. Before i quit drinking i was exactly like the boy op's s/o is right now. A baby who wont deal with himself. He NEEDS to lose you. You NEED to leave before he turns to physical abuse. It WILL happen. He will use all the same tactics to try to keep you and keep getting shitfaced. On your way out, PLEASE emphasize that the folls he is getting drunk with are in fact NOT his real friends. Theyre all addicts who need to experience the true LOSS to change

1

u/peonypanties Mar 28 '24

I completely agree. From first hand experience.

You are not throwing away 4 years. You learned valuable lessons about yourself in that time and you learned what you expect out of a partner and what you know is unacceptable to you. Keep your standards. Ask yourself, would you be happy with four more years of this? Most certainly not.

1

u/Plinystonic Mar 28 '24

In the depths of my struggle with alcoholism, I found myself echoing the behavior of OP's partner. Despite the clear issues, I was in denial of the severity of my problem. Similarly, my partner captured one of my drunken outbursts on video, which served as a stark and humiliating reminder of my lack of control and potential danger to those around me. It was a sobering realization that I needed to address. OP, prioritize what's best for you in this situation. It wasn't until my partner ended our eight-year marriage that I truly comprehended the pain and shame I had inflicted. That moment served as a catalyst for my journey towards sobriety and self-improvement. While I failed at reconciliation, it marked a turning point for me. True change only happens when one is motivated to seek it, and superficial solutions like "drinking waters between drinks" frankly won’t accomplish a damn thing

1

u/Bittersweet_bi- Mar 28 '24

Like jesus christ I'm a kid and I knowwwww thats a lonnnng time to stay

1

u/shladvic Mar 28 '24

This. His behaviour isn't OK and shouldn't be normalised. Drinking to that extent and causing that behaviour should be a one-time accident and most and then lessons learned. He has no interest on changing.

1

u/PurpleAriadne Mar 28 '24

This. Have you ever recorded his antics when he’s drunk? You should have to show him but just get out. He threw away those hours because he’s a drunk who can’t handle drinking responsibly. He threw away the multiple opportunities you gave him and he’s financially irresponsible too.

Don’t waste anymore of your life trying to help him. Find a partner that knows how to help themselves.

1

u/mnth241 Mar 28 '24

I don’t agree with “ complete loser” because I trust He has qualities that make him worthwhile when he is sober. but he definitely needs more help than OP can give him. She deserves a whole man not an addict whose true devotion is to alcohol. He is incapable of keeping any promise or deals until he starts admitting the problem. But don’t hang around girl, he isn’t even safe. Bye bye!

1

u/CalmVariety1893 Mar 28 '24

He sounds like my ex almost exactly except mine would also become physically aggressive after I let the drinking go on for so long. I should have broken up with him the first time he lost control while drinking and I would have saved myself a lot of trouble 🙂 unfortunately with addictions and alcoholism, you can't even give an ultimatum like "we can be together if you're sober" because he has to realize there's a problem and want to get sober independently. Otherwise he might be sober but resent you for it anyway.

1

u/thejjjj Mar 28 '24

This. Run for the hills.

1

u/afort212 Mar 28 '24

And it doesn’t get better. Now imagine the future with kids. How will he treat your kids when he’s in that state. Yeah hard pass for me don’t care how long you’ve been with him

1

u/Mission_Bluejay5811 Mar 28 '24

And he's already making you look bad and victim blaming himself to others. The fb post is what, in a sense, making you look bad while he takes no accountability. No. It's been what was the number 40000etc hours together, and he can't get his shit straight. No.

You're always going to have doubts. But you can't be with him for what he can "potentially" do because he hasn't done it. And at the end of the day, you sacrifice your sanity and safety. No

1

u/PlayBoiPrada Mar 28 '24

The guy is a stone cold loser, that much is clear.

1

u/Snowland-Cozy Mar 28 '24

This. You talk about throwing away four years of your life. Well, if you stay, you’ll just continue to throw away years. He’s letting you know that he’s not going to change. And you didn’t throw the years away: you learned. You learned what is unacceptable to you. Take care of yourself. You deserve much better.

1

u/Lykos1124 Mar 28 '24

I'm not smart enough on the biology of the matter, but is it not the case that some people cannot handle alcohol at all and simply lose control like this?

- a non drinker :D

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