David � Sometimes, people with huge hearts get their hearts stomped on by others. It does nothing towards helping the person with the �disease�. I have always struggled with accepting the term �disease� applied to so many things that people want to do, have fun with, or can�t help themselves from doing. But whether it is a disease or whether it�s the result of a deeper psychological problem manifesting itself in alcoholism; whether the alcoholic is unwilling or unable to stop himself, you do NOT �cure� it by enabling the person who is currently stomping on your huge heart. You can sympathize with him, feel sorry for him, and mourn the life experiences that brought him to the state he is in, but NONE of this will help him. On the contrary, as Gary points out, he could kill somebody someday. Then, where will you and your huge heart be?

Al �Anon helped me tremendously, and can help you, too, to understand and help your friend. It was at Al-Anon that I was introduced to the �Serenity Prayer� which says in part:

�God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.�

You don�t have to believe in God to know that those words do make a lot of sense.

Eric - Where were you and your self-defense classes when I needed you way back when? Love your straight talking posts!