Yes, venting and discussing has helped!

It helps to get some things out.

opposite effect of working..it drains those who listen until they dont want to be around anymore

I talk to my GF on a regular basis. My GF is a dyke and I am a femme. My GF is 17 years older then me so she has her own kinds of struggles and ways of dealing with them. My GF is walking with me through out my lesbianism experience.

working with a counselor, some church members who are recovering addicts and co-dependents... Very helpful

I rarely discuss the issue and how it's affecting my health emotionally and physiologically.

When I can bring myself to talk about it. With very select people. All 2 of them.

I am going to therapy and working on myself. I just started going back because I learned this new piece of the puzzle for myself and it is working and I want to continue.

Helps a lot because people open my eyes and it gets me to start venting about all our fights and reminds me how much he made me suffer and how horrible and emotionally abusive and manipultive he was. Side effects...hmm sometimes it might get me to keep thinking about him even after I'm talking and asking myself WHY? Why did he do this? Does he realize that hes doing it?

Talking always helps, but I feel I am driving my family crazy by always wanting to talk about it.