Help!!!
Ok, so I'm fairly new to this relationship stuff. I've been in relationships before, but nothing quite as serious as the one I'm in now. I love him. I'm going to marry him someday. I just can't understand how someone's self-esteem can be so low. I mean, I can understand it, but I can't fix it for him, and that's what I do...I'm a fixer! For those of you who don't know, Adam has gotten 2 DUI's in the last 5 years, which, in ND, means he loses his license for a year (or more). He was court-ordered to have a chemical dependency evaluation and they determined he needed intensive outpatient therapy (consisting of 3 hours a session, 3 sessions a week, for 8-10 weeks, including 1 family session per week). We both think this is a ridiculous amount of time to be spending at the counseling place because he doesn't drink that often. The only thing is, when he DOES drink, he over-does it. ...which is where the problem comes in. When he does drink to the point of getting smashed, he gets SO insecure about our relationship that it usually ends in a fight. I love him SO much, but it hurts me to deal with him when he's like that because he'll say something, and then he thinks I'm mad about it (which, I'm a pretty laid back person, so I don't get mad too often), and then he sulks. And sometimes, he'll just call to say "I love you" and when I say it back, he calls me a liar. He says I will find someone better someday and kick him to the curb. Last night in particular, he went on a rant about how he's not good for me and he knows that I know that in my heart and someday my brain will catch up. It really hurts me to hear him say those things. He does have his problems, but isn't working through problems TOGETHER what relationships are about? I mean, he's financially unstable, which CAN be fixed (but he wants a quick fix). He's unhappy with his work situation, but is scared to leave because he's been there for 6 years and doesn't know any different. My question is, how do I fix this? He refuses to go to counseling because he's convinced that they're "quacks" and just want his money. Nothing I do or say can change his mind (especially when he's drunk). I'm at a loss for solutions. And as a side note, when he does drink, he's never abusive or demeaning. The low self-esteem shows it's ugly face and I don't think he knows how to handle it. I just wanted to make it clear that my safety is not an issue. I just want him to realize how much he means to me and that I wouldn't give up what we have for the world. Someone please help!
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