I asked my wife for a break after she called me a good for nothing drunk
I have been with my wife for 5 years, married for 3. When we met I told her about how I was a newly recovering alcoholic (when we met I had been sober for 2 months) and that if she wanted to leave she could. She said no and our relationship bloomed. She was there for me during the good times and the bad. Whenever I wanted to drink I would think about how it would implode our relationship. I’m proud to say I haven’t drank for 5 years.
During Christmas I got a gift from a coworker (he didn’t know I was in recovery) which was a bottle of alcohol. I thanked him while saying “Thanks but I’m actually a recovering alcoholic but I appreciate the gesture”. I placed it on a shelf in my office so that whenever I saw it it would remind me of how far I’ve come.
Last week my wife and her sister (she had come to stay for a few days) were in the living room when I got home. My wife was upset and her sis was consoling her. Obviously my first thought was “is she ok?” My wife looked at me and took out the bottle that had been in my office. However, the thing was half empty. She asked me how long I’d relapsed for. I told her not since 5 years ago. She wouldn’t believe me. She said that her sister said she saw me drinking with her own two eyes and that she was right, I was a good for nothing drunk and I always would be. The words stung. I couldn’t believe my wife who I’d loved for 5 years would say that. I quietly got my stuff and started to walk out the door. It took everything in me not to cry.
And I’ll admit, I was pretty shaken up. As soon as I sat in the car the tears started coming. I left and went to my mother’s house. She believed me and welcomed me in. I’ve been staying here for the week. Working and trying to not think about my wife.
Today she called me. Was crying and said she was so sorry for not believing me. Apparently her sister was the alcoholic and when my wife had found the bottle she put the blame on me. That day my wife had found her drinking the rest and kicked her out. Have to say I was glad. She asked me if we could forget this happened. I said no, it was too painful. I wanted to take a break to see if I wanted to forgive her. She was pissed and hung up.
So there it is. I’m sitting here in my old room at my mother’s house with no house and no wife. I can’t believe that’s where I am right now. I’m still thinking about things and just thought I’d share. Got any advice?