We've been doing a series all about types of aggression and tactics used. Because here's the truth: When we love someone suffering from addiction "normal" advice doesn't cut it for us. We need something more specific, because loving someone suffering from addiction is NOT a normal relationship.

We've talked about how to handle your anger before, but what about theirs? Do you know how to respond when they're getting nasty and mean? Are you sure they're actually angry, or are they using this as a tactic to manipulate you?

These are big questions that you may not know the answer to right now, and that's okay.

Tune in to hear real life examples so you can start to recognize these patterns in your own relationship.

Find more details here: https://loveoveraddiction.com/what-to-do-when-your-partner-is-mad-at-you/

Connect personally here: https://www.instagram.com/love_over_addiction/

And join your sisterhood here: https://loveoveraddiction.com/

We're a community full of women that love someone suffering from addiction. And here's the reality: our lives and relationships are different because of that.

Have you ever had an evening like this? Let's play this out: your partner comes home 4 hours later than expected. When you ask them where they were, they say something like, "I had to stay late at work tonight."

And here's the reality: they did have to stay late at work, but only an extra half an hour. The other 3.5 hours they were at the bar, or hanging out at a "friend's" house getting high.

They left out a very critical detail about their evening. That, sister, is a form of lying: not sharing the whole truth, or being intentionally vague. And you know. You know the truth. You're a smart woman, and chances are, you've been here before.

And it can be so frustrating. Enraging.

In today's episode I'm sharing real tools on how to handle these situations. There's no two ways about it: this is hard. But we're here for you. You're not alone.

Find more details here:https://loveoveraddiction.com/stop-tolerating-lies/

Find something fun and personal here: https://www.instagram.com/love_over_addiction/

And join our sisterhood here: https://loveoveraddiction.com/

We must remember that although we love good people, they do suffer from a disease. And the disease of addiction is not nice. It's mean. It's ugly. And it does whatever it takes to thrive.

Here's the loving truth: if they don't seek recovery, it gets worse over time.

So, as the ones that love these people suffering, we have work to do. We need to prepare ourselves to deal with their behaviors, both good and bad.

Today we dive deep into manipulation and a different tactic they may use, and of course, tips and tools for you to deal with it all. It's a lot. We totally get that.

Listen today to find help, answers, encouragement, understanding, and love.

Find more details here: https://loveoveraddiction.com/are-you-being-manipulated-by-addiction/

Find out more about me and our community here: https://www.instagram.com/love_over_addiction/

And join the sisterhood here: http://loveoveraddiction.com/

When we love someone suffering from addiction, the truth is that only we know how bad things really are. And when we start to seek a team of professionals, be it therapists, mediators, lawyers, or whomever, we must find the right fit.

Because we love someone suffering from addiction, we have developed a strong intuition, and I encourage you to use that when you're finding your professional team.

I fired my first lawyer. She didn't get it. She wasn't respectful, and she didn't listen.

When you listen today you'll hear my story of why I fired her, and when (or if) you should fire your professional help and look for someone else.

Find more details here: https://loveoveraddiction.com/when-experts-dont-have-personal-experience/

Connect with me personally on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/love_over_addiction/

Join our community and find your sisterhood: https://loveoveraddiction.com/

Last week we talked about covert aggression when you love someone suffering from addiction. So if you missed that episode, please go back and have a listen.

This week we're building on that - so what are tactics our loved ones might use when they're being covertly aggressive?

Let me ask you this: Does your partner ever play dumb? Forget things that have happened? Dispute fine details? Act oblivious? All of the above?

Sing it sister. Because I hear you. I totally understand. My ex-husband used to do the same crap. And many women in our community experience it as well.

And let me be clear: this is a tactic used by your partner and their addiction.

It makes us feel crazy. So how do we navigate? How do we deal? Are we supposed to sit back and let it slide?

Find the answers you're looking for today: https://loveoveraddiction.com/how-to-react-when-theyre-playing-innocent/

Get a glimpse behind the scenes of LOA + Michelle's personal life: https://www.instagram.com/love_over_addiction/

Find out more about the Love Over Addiction movement here: https://loveoveraddiction.com/

Here's the loving truth: because we love a good person suffering from addiction, we just don't have the luxury of a "normal" relationship.

Addiction is sneaky, and will do whatever it has to do to thrive, including hurting us, the ones that are closest and care the most.

Here's the thing though: we're not powerless. We're not martyrs. We're not victims of this very hard situation. We're not. I refuse to believe that for one second.

Today you'll find power, you'll find the knowledge and tools that you need to know when you can trust, and when you shouldn't. And you'll learn other things to look out for.

Find more details here:https://loveoveraddiction.com/when-passive-aggression-is-really-covert-aggression/

Find your community, answers, stories, and more here: https://loveoveraddiction.com/

And lastly, connect on IG for fun. Get a glimpse behind the scenes of LOA + Michelle's personal life: https://www.instagram.com/love_over_addiction/

This week we're re-releasing the very first ever episode. It's an oldie, but a goodie. And here's the truth: when you love someone suffering from addiction, these tips are always helpful, no matter how 'new' or 'old' they are.

In this episode Michelle shares helpful tips about why you still love them, and why that's totally okay. Even a well meaning friend or family member may not get it. They just may not understand. And that's okay too. Because you have this community here. And it's full of women that actually do understand. We get it, because we're either there in the same situation right now, or we were at one time in our life.

And it's not easy. So please, please rely on this community when you need an understanding ear and encouraging words.

Find more details here: https://loveoveraddiction.com/why-you-love-an-alcoholic-or-substance-abuser/

You'll see other free resources, helpful tips, and more about the community here: https://loveoveraddiction.com/

When we love someone suffering from addiction, arguments and fights are part of our normal life, much more so than a relationship without addiction.

So how does it feel when your partner walks into the room, and you know they're there to pick a fight? Maybe you can tell by their body language, their tone, the subject matter, or maybe they're already starting to yell.

No matter the circumstance, you may become super anxious, fearful, or mad. You may want to just run and hide. Or maybe you're ready to fight, and you want to put on your 'boxing gloves' and 'step into the ring'.

But here's the truth: most all of us want to avoid that argument or fight. We don't want to engage, and we certainly don't want to be hurt by our partner's piercing words.

There are ways to avoid arguments, and one true 'secret' you can apply to every conversation with your loved one.

Listen to find out what it is + hear a story about how I recently reacted to my ex-husband trying to pick a fight with me.

Find more notes + resources about arguments here: https://loveoveraddiction.com/avoid-an-argument/

And find other helpful episodes, free guidesheets and more here: https://loveoveraddiction.com/

In this community, we believe in being honest. So let's say it: loving someone suffering from addiction is hard.

Your life may feel completely chaotic and out of control at times, but other times, you get a glimpse of your dreams when your partner is sober. It may feel like a crazy roller coaster ride.

Think about this: addiction came into your life for a reason. You chose your partner for a reason. Loving someone with addiction can be our greatest opportunity to grow and become the women we're destined to be.

You can read more details here: https://loveoveraddiction.com/addiction-can-be-your-greatest-opportunity/

And find your community, free resources, and more here: https://loveoveraddiction.com/

As mothers, we all try to do the very best for our children. But our 'job' as mothers changes significantly when we love someone suffering from addiction, especially if that someone is the child's parent.

Knowing how to protect your children in this situation is imperative to raising healthy children who are mentally and emotionally stable.

And let me share a loving truth: You have to learn the tools to know how to raise children who don't later become addicts themselves. It's your job. And I know you can do it.

Learn these tools and more from today's episode: https://loveoveraddiction.com/child-psychologist-expert-interview