As the title says, when is it time to call it quits?
I’ve been with my girlfriend for about 4 months. When we first got together, she was the one who helped me get sober — morning and nighttime calls, support, all of it. I credit her with playing a big part in helping me stay clean.
But here’s the thing: she can’t seem to stay sober herself. Every few weeks, she finds a new excuse to pick the bottle back up. I’ve tried to be supportive. I’ve listened, I’ve talked, I’ve pleaded. When she is sober, she’s an amazing woman and mother — the kind of person I could see a future with. I even bought rings.
But when she drinks, everything changes. She gets so inebriated she can’t take care of herself, let alone her kids. Her youngest is still with her, and I’ve been the one changing diapers, making meals, putting the baby to sleep. Her mother has custody of her older child. I’m stepping into this father/partner role full force, and honestly, I’m exhausted.
She says she wants to quit drinking — and I believe her — but she can’t make it stick. And every relapse chips away at both my love and my strength. I feel like an overworked babysitter, housekeeper, cook, and lover rolled into one.
I love her, and I worry most about what happens to her kid if I walk away. But I’m burning out. I’ve been seriously wondering: do I give her one more chance? Or is it time to let go — for my own peace and sanity?