My boyfriend

My overwhelming thought Tina91 is that a gambling addiction will shred love as if its nothing that should stand in its way

Im afraid that living with a gambler will ruin things. You will suffer so as I said before please dont let it be blind love. The reality is that you will have no stability even if you are both working.

I wouldnt live with a gambler so I would say that you need to protect your money and be living apart. I was going to say that he needs to change but its more realistic that you tell him gambling isnt on, it isnt acceptable and you want some space to ensure things are under control.

All your love isnt going to stop your holiday money disappearing down at the bookies. That is the big challenge you face and he may not be the right person for you

Best wishes from everyone on the forum

It isn't about him. It's about you and how you choose to live your life.

Is the boyfriend that you want back even real? He may well be ideal in every way if only he didn't keep gambling - but he does keep gambling and you can't change that for him. So what's left for you? Is it good enough? Why?

Keep the focus on you.

CW

It seems that he is taking advantage of your good nature, making you put trust in him and then still carrying on . I have seen how selfish this addiction can make people and that is the stage he is at now - he does not have room in his head to think about your feelings. The kindest thing you can do for him now is put a huge distance between you physically and financially. If he is not willing to get counselling or let you help in any way then you are going to get dragged into a very unhappy relationship. Keep talking to the Gamcare counsellors or there are some local GA meetings for friends and relations you could go to. Gamcare will advise you on that.

Thank you so much. He was doing so well for a year ( with little of my help). I've never helped him financially but I was there to mentally support him. He bought a lovely flat and we both moved in. Not sure why someone who has done so much good for him self wants to distroy that. Gambling is a horrible addiction (possibly worse than alcohol) and I pray any Gamblers on here to stop, make your life a wonderful place instead of a horrible one. Much love and thank you for support.

Gambling addiction doesn't discriminate. It can affect anyone however well or otherwise they have done for themselves. It is indeed a horrible addiction partly because the damage can be kept hidden for so long. Time to keep the focus on you and what you want now.

All the best