Dating Someone Who Grew Up With Addict Parents? Here Are Some Tips.

Throughout my entire adult life, I have felt fairly misunderstood in relationships when certain things trigger me and cause some kind of reaction that feels abnormal compared to others. It took many years to realize why I reacted with such sensitivity and pain to simple things, like when my boyfriend was late and didn’t communicate that to me would ruin my day or how I felt like crying immediately when his voice raised, even in the slightest bit.

I’m now in my 30’s and have recognized the reasons for these reactions for years (it took a lot of counselling, a lot of research, a lot of yoga/meditation and a lot of life experience).

I feel compelled to share some tips with anyone who may be dating someone whose parents were/are addicts, in case it helps, even in the slightest way.

I should mention that I’m not a counsellor, I’m not a professional, I’m just speaking from experience. These may or may not apply to your partner, but I can guarantee, some of them will.

Tip #1: Listen actively and Engage

I can’t stress this enough, active listening is the most important by far. People who grew up with addicts often feel like they never got the attention they needed and what they said was never heard, valued or remembered. If you can…