Doctor who listens

I saw the doctor this morning. New one at the practice, woman.

She is happy for me to get back to work Monday. Talked about how I'm feeling. For once I felt listened to and not dismissed. I ended up telling her about my drinking, going to AA, about stuff in the family etc.

She suggested taking therapy. But said referral can take ages. After leaving there I had a brainwave and called my friend/nemesis from my old church. I asked if they still ran the counselling scheme. Yes. I assumed I no longer qualified as I don't attend church. But she said I do as I'm a parent of a youth group member. I asked if anyone in the church would know and other than her no. All that goes through for payment is a description of the person. They subsidise for up to 12 sessions initially and it can be extended I have to pay first £20 a session. She's going to pass my details to the counsellor who'll call me. Possibly start next week if suitable time is available.

Oh.... And I have a date!

LadyGrace ·

Wow... Congratulations! You're really taking off haha and trying something new. That's wonderful. I only have one question that I'm confused about. You said you contacted your old friend/nemesis. Why would you want to contact someone you feel is your enemy. That's an oxymoron. Friends are not our enemy. Are they shouldn't be because if they are, we can't call them a friend. Also, there are free places you can go for counseling. Do you have any in your area?

I love that you found a doctor you really like. I did too and it makes all the difference in the world. A good doctor will take the time and listen, yes.

Sounds like you're on the right track but I'm wondering if you should find a new church home that you feel comfortable in or maybe more comfortable in. But perhaps you do like your old church but just got away from going. I do hope you'll be happy in your church. And really a church should accept anyone who needs help. Not just those who are members. That's what the mission of the whole church is is to help people and invite them in. I'm proud of you for all the positive steps you're taking to have a better, healthier, and happy life. That takes a lot of courage to step out. Keep us up to date on your progress if you're up to it. God bless you.

LadyGrace ·

@AngelaR80 Sweetheart, are friends people who sleep with our husband? I think not. A friend would never do that to a person they call their best friend. We can forgive these people yes, and that's wonderful, but that doesn't mean we have to be associated or hang around with people who deliberately and knowingly betray us. The words friend and betrayer should not be used in the same sentence and certainly do not belong in our lives. A true friend would never do that. Has she apologized? Now I do want to be fair and ask you, even though you said she slept with your "ex". Were you married to him at the time she slept with him, and then you divorced him because of it? Or had she slept with him after you broke up with him?

It's great that you have found a church home that you feel comfortable and happy in. That means a lot. I'm glad you feel comforted there.

AngelaR80 · 46-50, F

@LadyGrace they had sex together when we were married. She confessed and apologised after I found him cheating with someone else. She's apologised and more she helped me a lot over the last 2 years.

I have obviously mixed feelings but she's still someone I turn to if I need to.

By the way she broke off their relationship and deeply regrets not telling me then.