This week we're going to talk about how to detach from your partner.

Since we love good people that are suffering from addiction, we don't have what some would

call a, quote, normal relationship. Addiction adds a whole new element to our relationships that frankly

most people just don't understand. Because we love someone suffering from addiction, we need to

learn how to detach with love. So what exactly does detaching mean? And how do we do it? Most normal relationship advice

just doesn't apply to our relationships. Addiction calls for something different. If you're

familiar with the world of addiction or codependency, you have probably heard of the word

detach, but like many, many self-help words, it can be very difficult to understand exactly

what detaching means, let alone how to do it. Does it mean you need leave your partner who is suffering with addiction? Is there something

cruel or manipulative about detaching? So many of us feel like we're being disloyal if we choose

to emotionally remove ourselves from our relationships. So to help you understand detaching in a simple way, I have included

two comments from some very wise women in a small group I once led, obviously with their

permission. Here's what one woman from the group said, quote, you know you're detaching when you are caring less and less

and are starting to realize you deserve to be treated better than this.

Another woman said, for me, detaching is surrounding yourself with an immense amount of

self-love and respect to the extent that I no longer

allow my partner's actions, words, or behaviors to affect my mood, security, or plans.

At the same time, I can show them love and compassion and still not sacrifice my own principles or self-respect.

It means letting go of resentment towards your spouse and owning your own behavior.

End quote.

I thought that was two wonderful examples from some very wise women that might be helpful for you.

Detaching is when we make the choice to react to this disease with self-care and self-love.

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