As your book is in a draft put everything in it. Lay it all out there. Editing is at a much later stage. For me my relationships have changed over the years. There is no shame in having dated alcoholics i am sure you learned something from all of them. What you have gained is very iseful for others to see and absorb. Even in the case of my former roommate who I have known for over 20 years I have gained a great deal of insight. My friend has a very good job. He is able to switch on and off effortlessly. I have never been able to do that. Many alcoholics including my sister are very functional. They can put on a phenomenal performance seamlessly. Let's not forget that some alcoholics go on to recovery. One alcoholic I knew years ago was illiterate. I encouraged him to go to classes and he learned to read. Can you imagine that achievement as an adult. He was in AA. He was at last able to read from the steps and the oromises! That was worthwhile. I know that for me wantimg to helo the alcoholic was not necessarily a mistake. What was difficult was that I lost my own self and goals in there. Being enmeshed was how I grew uo in incredible chaos. Learning how to not be enmeshed is not something that happens overnight. Al anon has helped me immesirably with that task. I hope you will continue writing your book. I know you will gain great insight from putting it all down. It takes great courage to do that. Maresie

 

   I get good practise here, Kathleen, for writing... ...

      I hope you get to complete your book, my friend...  ...