“When a newcomer to Al-Anon tells his or her sponsor about the alcoholic conflict in the home, we must realize this is only one side of the story.” (ODAT, 10 June)
I’ve made mistakes in the past by instinctively, immediately, and uncritically siding with the person telling the story, which is particularly dangerous if input is being sought.
When I acquire the full picture, I’ve often been horrified. In ‘supporting’ someone, even with legitimate Al-Anon tools, I’ve sometimes been arming one side of a pitched battle.
I tend to stay out of such matters these days.