I truly love my husband. Julian is kind, funny, and makes me feel safer than anyone ever has. Our relationship is strong—we communicate openly, laugh constantly, and even after six years together, I still catch myself in awe that he’s mine.
But lately… he’s always drinking. Not excessively, not to the point of losing control, but just enough that he’s never completely sober. A beer while making dinner, a whiskey afterward, a few more while we watch TV. On weekends, it starts early and lasts all day.
He’s never angry or reckless—just a little more relaxed, a little softer. But it’s beginning to feel like I never get the fully present version of him, only this slightly altered one.
I tried bringing it up casually. “Babe, have you thought about cutting back a bit?” He laughed it off. “What? I’m fine. I’m not hurting anyone.”
And he’s not. He still handles his responsibilities, still shows up for life. But I can’t shake the feeling that drinking has become a crutch—something he relies on rather than just enjoys.
Then last night, I found an empty bottle of rum hidden in his office drawer. It hadn’t been there a week ago.
Now, I’m asking myself: Is this more serious than I thought? And if it is—how do I help him see it?
