What to do when there is a family rift?

[MayhemandMadness]

DH and I have been rocky for a long time. He is a functional alcoholic, lost his licence last year but now has it back - morning after the night before. Is still drinking but reduced but still hiding beer etc. Ds has recently come out, and for the first time, felt a small amount of happiness. His relationship has now ended but in the throws of first love, he announced that he was engaged via facebook. DH still struggling to accept this and it wasn't helped by his sisters saying that its just a phase etc. Anyho, tonight it has come to ahead, SIL attended a wedding yesterday, she was asked about DS (17) and being 'engaged' by other guests. She didn't know what to say and felt embrassed which I can understand. However, she rung up tonight and say that she needs to be kept fully informed of things, which lead to other things and she told me that I put my job before the DCs and always had done - I have worked full time because we needed the money, partly due to DHs drinking, partly because I love what I do. I would have reduced my hours if we could have afforded it.

I have high anxiety, mainly about DHs health because of the last 12 months, I am waiting for counselling in a couple of weeks and wondering if DH will support me through this. Doctor has wanted to sign me off and put me on ADs. Said no to both because going to work is the only thing getting me outside the front door and tbh I don't want pills in the house as Im too low to be trusted with them.

I love DH for all his faults but I just cant do this anymore. Apparently 3 other SILs also want 'a word' with me! I'm going to ring in tomorrow and take a day off but I dont know whether or not to take DD (14) out of school and go to my Dads for a couple of days.

[MayhemandMadness]

I get nothing from this relationship, no support, no worries shared etc. He helps with housework but only small bits and only when asked. He doesnt take any financial responsibilty. Feel like the last 20 yrs are just a lie, i feel used and abused. I read about all the awesome women on these threads and wonder how they do it. Where do they have the strength from, the courage and why cant I?

[GarlicShake]

I'm afraid an alcoholic is only capable of loving his booze. It's basically unreasonable to expect him to care more about you or your children than about his drink. Addictions also tend to arrest emotional development around the point where they began to take hold. This goes some way to explaining why addicts are generally shite at dealing with grown-up complications.

You're married to someone who's married to alcohol. His family are self-centred twats. You are the competent member of this family. I'm sure you are used and abused. I'm sure, too, that you'd find life somewhat easier to manage without him and his whingeing relations round your neck.

It's probably a good idea to take your DD away for a few days. What's your father's opinion of the way things are? If he believes women are supposed to sacrifice themselves for their men, then perhaps a nice little B&B by the sea would be a better option.

Do take the opportunity to talk with DD about it all, too. She might surprise you one way or another.

[Isetan]

Right now you need support and if a few days away will help, then just do it.

You aren't responsible for your SIL embarrassment and you aren't responsible for pre-emptively avoiding it either. You're SIL is a twat and personally I'd ignore her because quite frankly, it isn't your job to keep her informed about anything and although she's entitled to her twatish opinions, you aren't obligated to give a flying f*ck about them.

[MayhemandMadness]

Thank you for your replies. My dad is fantastic but he is in his 70's and shouldn't have to worry about me.

DH works full time too, longer hours than me but thats only because I've got a good employer. I'm taking today off and going to send DD into school for some time. Dh is off today but that was because I was upset and went out in the car last night, he didn't know if I was coming home to sort DD this morning, have to admit that at one stage I wasn't but that was more to dark thoughts. SIL works in DDs school, at lunchtimes so I'm wondering if she will call in here afterwards to have another word! I can be out or Im just going to stay quiet, agree with everything she says and then tell her that the mature thing to do is to not get involved in other peoples relationships. DH is 51 ffs!

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

I would avoid all his family.

You say you cannot do this anymore so that should be good enough reason for you to divorce him. His primary relationship is with drink and has been for many years. Of course you feel used and abused; this is because you are and have been by him. It will stay the same as long as you and he are still together.

What do you get out of this relationship now?. Your H has basically dragged you down with him.

Is your GP aware that your DH is an alcoholic?. Have you ever considered divorcing your DH?. I think that all he has put his family through is the root cause of your depressed state and ongoing anxiety. You are likely to be co-dependent in this relationship as well, that is probably also why you have stayed to date.

I think also that talking to Al-anon would be of great benefit to you. You have lived with this for so long that this half existence has become your norm.

What do you think your children have and are learning about relationships here?.

[MayhemandMadness]

Thank you again, my head knows what to do and what the sensible options are but convincing my heart is another matter. DD is in school, suitcase is packed with a few days in there, Dad is getting the rooms ready so just have to wait till I can collect DD. Dreading if SIL turns up but tbh I dont think she will have the bottle to face me, easier to do it down a phone isn't it.

DH is sitting in the other room, blank look on his face, not saying anything. I'm going to try to do some housework to keep myself busy. Was thinking about getting DD at lunchtime instead but I dont know if the school will let her out.

[Yoksha]

Hi OP,

I'm furious for you. 3 other Sil's also want a word with you. I'd be telling your Dh to deal with them all. Ffs! While your at it, tell them to fottfsofatfosm. No, I'm only joking, but it feels good to think of saying this.

You are amazing. Only own your own behaviour. It's not up to you to fix other adults.

[MayhemandMadness]

I've asked DH to leave, even offered to sort out his rent etc but he refuses. He could easily stay with SIL as her DCs have now moved out and she has spare bedrooms, she is struggling for money so would even appreciate the extra money, I suspect that he has asked a few months back and she probably said No, she didnt want to get involved - shame she couldn't have stuck to that.

[MayhemandMadness]

I want my marriage to work, I want him to turn around and say that he will step upto the mark, but I know he won't. Its almost like if there is a glimmer of hope, then I will fight for it, its just that I need to realise that there is no hope, there can't be if he is happy to see his child uprooted rather than to stay with his sister for a couple of days instead.