“When the guilt of the alcoholic explodes, I must realize that it is always aimed at those nearest, and often dearest. I want to remind myself that such outbursts only reveal the drinker’s own unhappiness. I will not make the situation worse by taking seriously what the alcoholic says at such times.” (ODAT, 24 February)
If someone’s upset, I let the storm blow itself out.
If they ask why I’m not responding, I say I’m just listening.
If they ask what I think, I say I’ll have a proper think and get back to them later.