This topic was inspired by a recent event in my life. I was on a first date with a man I met online and had been in contact with for a few weeks. We knew a lot about each other by the time we met in person. I met him for dinner at a beautiful waterfront restaurant. We were having a great time and the conversation led to an opening in which I decided to share with him the reason I don’t drink. When I mentioned that I am a recovering alcoholic, he admitted he was a little “freaked out” by it. I did not hear back from him again. It was a huge disappointment because I really liked him and thought we had potential. I wondered if I’d made a mistake. I told him I am a recovering alcoholic because I wanted to get it out of the way before things moved forward but it may have stopped everything completely. I have existed in the bubble of AA for so long that I forgot many people still have preconceived ideas about people with addiction and mental health issues. Although it hurt, I can’t hold it against him. People are not educated about addiction and the media portrays it as sad, hopeless people who can’t be trusted. There needs to be more representation of those in recovery who are thriving and productive members of society.
How have you dealt with people judging you? Have you found a healthy and supportive partner and how do you make it work?
