Sobriety could be best thing to come from losing spouse

I have been married for 17 years to the love of my life. I met her 40 years ago while we were growing up in the same neighborhood. Last year she decided our marriage is over.

Nine years into our marriage, I became an alcoholic. Try as I might, I couldn’t find a way to stop drinking. Year after year she stuck by me, hoping something would change. I never laid a hand on her, but I was verbally abusive at times while I was drinking.

Last year I learned that, because of my drinking, I had developed a heart condition that may end my life. I think it was the last straw for her because even after getting the news, I continued to drink. Seven months ago she told me we are done.

Since the day she said it, I have been clean and sober. I have tried contacting her, but she won’t return my calls. I know the trust is gone, but I so badly want my wife back. I don’t think she believes I’m sober because we have gone down this road before.

How do I prove to her that I have changed and it will no longer be an issue? This has given me an insight into what she must have been feeling all these years.

The best way to prove to your wife that you have changed and won’t fall off the wagon again is to continue living a clean and sober lifestyle. If you have friends or family in common, when they see what you are accomplishing every day, they may mention it to her. Even if you receive no response, continue writing to her about how your health is improving. I can’t guarantee it will bring her back, but it may help.

My boyfriend and I have been together for two years and are doing great. We both have careers we enjoy.

However, he makes more money in a week than I sometimes earn in a month. Neither of us has financial problems, but I feel as if this makes him superior to me.

Am I shallow for comparing the two of us this way? He assures me that he will love me the same regardless of how much money I make.

We have been talking about buying a house and moving in together. Should I give in and let him “take care of me,” or consider higherpaying job opportunities that would allow me to feel better about myself and pull my fair share of the weight?

You need to ask yourself why your self-esteem is tied to how much money you earn. According to your boyfriend, you pulling your fair share of the weight. You say you enjoy your career. I would hate to see you sacrifice it in order to go to a job every day that you may be less happy doing because you earn less than your boyfriend.

— Learned the Hard Way in Indiana Dear Learned: —Kristin in