Advice...?

Real talk: what do you do when no one in your life acknowledges your successes? Even after 2 years (just over a month ago), no one said anything.
Wasn't expecting a parade or anything, but at least a "2 years, cool. Good for you" or SOMEthing.
I tried to address it at the 1 yr mark, but was told variations of "I didn't know what to say"; so I specifically gave suggestions. I'm at a loss. Should I just forget it and "get over it"?

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That’s awesome B-Rye 2 years! Congrats and listen …. As long as you feel accomplished that’s all that matters :pray:t3::raised_hands:t3::muscle:t3:

My wife has been very supportive (while being hurt and angry) throughout the process. She actually gave me both my 1 and 2 year medallions. Both times I had to remind her endlessly as the day approached. It bothered me year 1. I got such an overwhelming amount of support from my sober community, but silence from the family. This year it was more of the same, but it didn’t bother me. First, they really don’t understand…they can’t. Second, it actually triggers my wife. All of my AA friends congratulated her and talked me up. I could see it bothered her. I caused her so much pain, and now I’m just doing what I’m supposed to be doing all along. Those were her words. Anyway, I realized it’s not important they recognize my recovery success. It’s important I do. It’s important I work my daily recovery program. I do it for me, but I do it for my family as well. I think we need to accept it as it is and move on. This is another reason why the fellowship is so important. Congratulations brother

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U b proud of ya own self and pat ya self on the back b happy for u tht it

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I am 100% not a "look at me" guy. I just think that if others claim love and compassion I should be shown or expressed. Feeling can be hurt; the person in recovery is no exception to that rule.

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I am, thanks!!! :grinning:

I can relate on the triggering aspect and feel that may be the case as well. Good point. Cheers!

Thanks my dude, appreciate it.

I understand what you are saying, but those feelings are for the "general population" in my opinion. Without comfort, compassion, a reciprocal respect from people you give it to, it slowly erodes at the feeling of self worth.
There is a medium between toxic empathy and mutual kindness; and that medium is where loving, healthy relationships live.

You're quite the speculator, aren't ya?
I have no issues in life. My life is amazing. Having an opinion on those IN that life doesn't take away from what is in it.
I appreciate you taking the time to reply in my thread, but it's getting off the track.

In short yes. Let it go. Nobody owes us anything. No one else can really understand what we go through and what it takes. From the outside it just looks like we stopped being a complete disaster and destroying ourselves. It’s ego telling us we deserve a pat on the back for being a normal functioning member of society.

I feel that, cheers. LOL'd at the "stopped being a complete disaster" part. :grinning:

I think it's hard for people who haven't gone through rock bottom and recovery to understand. I had friends and family who expressed joy that I'm "doing so much better," and I appreciate it. But it's like Matt said above, nobody is going to bake us a cake just because we seem to function like a grown-up.

That being said, when one of my best friends was at bottom, guess who got the call? Me. I see him now at 9 months sober, and it feels great. I see how much happier his kids are, and that's all the reward I could ever ask for.

2 years is an awesome accomplishment, and I congratulate you. Now, your job is to be ready to step up when Universe needs you. That's what we're here for.

Cool you have that bond w your friend. Great for you both I'm sure.
Stepping up for the Universe sounds so grandiose, but it makes sense - ya just never know what's gonna come at ya! Cheers.

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Good man, good job!

You’re appreciated by all on here.

Thanks brother

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Cheers! Nice effort. Never rely on others for your happiness. They will ALWAYS let you down. Love bears all, endures all and never fails. His name is God.:pray::+1:

Notice from previous posts you never speak of going to meetings or using some sort of recovery program. This is where you’d get the acknowledgment from others. I enjoy my anniversaries with a chip and sharing my story with others. Doing it alone, this is the outcome. Anyway, congrats on your 25 months. Keep it going and remember, this is for you, not others.

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Sigh...yeah. I can see why this would bother you. I never know what my family and friends are thinking. Some people don't like to see others around them succeed, and that makes them miserable and respectful. It's nothing you are currently doing...cuz, like, 2 years! It's more of them holding on to the past or are emotionally unavailable. Keep on this path. You are doing great!

Yeah, I can see that point, and have thought about that (them holding on to the past), waiting on the other shoe to drop.
Luckily, I don't think it's "hating" or not wanting me to succeed.
I guess eventually the "other shoe drop" feel8ng might go away. Thanks!

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