- Joined
- Jun 3, 2003
- Messages
- 1,096
- Reaction score
- 8
I have been in al-anon for a few years and it has been great for my being able to deal with a particular family member's alcoholism. I feel cool about it and even briefly mentioned the alcoholism in my family, and how it has helped me to understand that there are common social issues affecting many families, patients, etc., in my personal statement.
But I never came right out and said: dude! I am in al-anon.
But I just had an interview and the guy was really drilling me about why I did this at this time and that at that time and I just tried my best to make honest and intelligent questions.
The truth is, if I had just said I went to al-anon because I didn't understand this family member's behaviour and it was really freaking me out and if I had just elborated on how much I have learned and what I great thing that I did go and get help - well, it might have made my responses more congruent with my actions. But no, I didn't want to admit it. Too personal I guess.
But in my thank you letter, I kind of want to say, I did this at that time because I wanted to get help and understand ... etc.
Is this too personal and is it "the kiss of death"? so to speak? I mean, are we supposed to be honest, but not too self-disclosing? It's kind of a big part of my history (ok, so now everyone here knows ...).
Have other people struggled with these sorts of serious family issues that turned out to be big growth experiences for them? Like divorce, death in the family or whatever?
But I never came right out and said: dude! I am in al-anon.
But I just had an interview and the guy was really drilling me about why I did this at this time and that at that time and I just tried my best to make honest and intelligent questions.
The truth is, if I had just said I went to al-anon because I didn't understand this family member's behaviour and it was really freaking me out and if I had just elborated on how much I have learned and what I great thing that I did go and get help - well, it might have made my responses more congruent with my actions. But no, I didn't want to admit it. Too personal I guess.
But in my thank you letter, I kind of want to say, I did this at that time because I wanted to get help and understand ... etc.
Is this too personal and is it "the kiss of death"? so to speak? I mean, are we supposed to be honest, but not too self-disclosing? It's kind of a big part of my history (ok, so now everyone here knows ...).
Have other people struggled with these sorts of serious family issues that turned out to be big growth experiences for them? Like divorce, death in the family or whatever?