Are relationships still a problem? Absolutely. Maybe not to the degree they were, when I came in, but sometimes ruptures show up and they can be distressing.
I don’t care how long I have stayed sober, things can still go wrong at times. Bill wrote about relationships and said that was a big problem with alcoholics. First he told us that it was from our twisted relationships with family, our friends, and society we have suffered the most. Then he told us we have been stupid about them. And of course it was our egos that were at the heart of these problems.
Over dependency and over control are at the heart of these problems. Not only that, Bill tells us that we need balance in our lives to maintain good relationships, after having told us the way we were. Loving few, indifferent to most of the people, and hating what’s left over.
Change in attitudes and actions on our part is what he tells us, me especially, are necessary. My actions speak louder than words. I can certainly mess up my communications with those I love. Meaning one thing can come out wrong, if I fail to be clear in speaking to others. Maybe waiting to think first before I speak. Timing and clarity are everything.
Anyway, I had to sit down and think about this today after suffering from some imbalance. Thinking about this, I have to remember not to loose my way. My primary purpose is still the most important thing in my life. Nothing is worth a drink. Just a reminder that I’m sober in spite of myself. It’s all due to my relationship with my higher power and the support of so many people just like me.