Trying to keep up appearances to myself, I never drank before 5pm. Except when I did. CN: alcoholism, addiction The kiss lingers. Not because of the man, but rather because he hadn’t swallowed his last sip of bourbon. He’s a lip kisser. But this was more—drops of smoky liquid passing from his lips to mine. […]
My alcoholic past is my biggest flaw and insecurity. It’s unfair that I have to reveal it so early. Other shortcomings are easier to hide, at least for a while. Nora was oppressively sexy. She was so beautiful that I imagine if she walked into a Verizon store, her smile would compel any employee to […]
Like many people who deal with anxiety, I’ve learned to live with it. And I’ve hidden it well from my daughter. Or so I thought. My own fear is traceable enough, its origins obvious, but my daughter’s fear is a mystery. She’s only 8, for one. She has suffered not at all, not more than the unconscious […]
All I wanted was the freedom to not have to think about who held the role of mother between us—but it was clear, it was always me. “I only have a few minutes,” my mother said in her usual rush the moment I answered the phone. “But this is important. Can I come by?” An […]
Navigating the real world in your 20’s is hard enough. Try doing it as an alcoholic. If you or a loved one has ever attended an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, you are likely to have heard some variation of this slogan, “If you hang around a barber shop long enough, eventually you’re gonna get a haircut.” […]
