Help me be a good friend

Monsieur_et_Madame_Ha

Help me be a good friend

My friend is coming over and spending the night because her boyfriend, who is an alcoholic, had a relapse and lied to her about it.

I have no idea what to tell her or how to help. I have no experience with addiction, but aren't relapses to be expected? FWIW, this is her boyfriend's first relapse since acknowledging he has a problem (2 months ago).

TIA 

pepperpotts317

My brother and his son's mother are both addicts. Luckily, my brother and his son live with my parents and my parents are the full time care takers of my nephew. It's hard to know what to say. I think what helps my mom the most is just listening to her. Being there when she needs someone to talk to and not passing too much judgement. It's a little different when it's a friend and not a relative. But, just opening up your home to her and being a shoulder to cry on makes you a great friend. 

NotSharknado

Just being there for her makes you a good friend. You don't have to do much but lend an ear.

Monsieur_et_Madame_Ha

Thanks ladies. I really appreciate the feedback.

JaysonandKristin

MrsSkull1107:

My father was an alcoholic. Let her talk, drink, eat, whatever. Don't pressure her to talk about it as she might just want ot pretend for a few hours that she doesn't have to worry about it. If she wants to talk, she will. 

Lots of T&Ps to your friend.  

I think this and what the other ladies said about opening your home as a sign of support are signs you ARE a great friend.  

I think Skull is right.  Let us know how everything turned out.   

Monsieur_et_Madame_Ha

Thanks for the input everyone. I really didn't know what to tell her. Turns out she wasn't really looking for me to tell her anything. She was really looking to vent, so I just listened, and told her about Al-Anon. I like to think that her being able to get away for the night and talk freely about it helped her some.

Also, she had her 6yo DS with her and the kids had a blast. DD1 kept chasing after him to give him hugs and kisses. Gotta keep an eye on those two. lol