If you are new to this site and are struggling to defeat your gambling demons, I urge you to read some of the posts on the 'Friends & Family' forum. They are heartbreaking in their descriptions of the stress and despair felt by the partners of compulsive gamblers. I think once you have read these accounts you will start to understand (if you don't already know) the devastating effect gambling can have on everyone around you. Please don't think I am preaching to you with a 'holier than thou' attitude - I have been a compulsive gambler myself, but now realise what a selfish and destructive habit it is. We can always find justifications for our gambling, but at the end of the day it is a self-centred, selfish activity which not only destroys us but all those we hold dear.
Thank you for reading.
Well put and a very valid point Baggins, couldn't agree with you more.
I have been reading this Forum, almost every day, for over seven years now; the Friends and Family has taught me a great deal - I feel I have gained a lot from seeing things from the other side.
I never imagined that broken trust would be a hundred times worse than the money itself, but that proves to be the case almost every time.
There are so many people who come here saying "I can't tell my partner" - the problem is that they probably have an inkling, or are very close to finding out for themselves, which is obviously much worse than coming clean. They should all read the Family & Friends section to see the potential consequences if they don't.
It is a very valuable resource, and I sincerely hope people follow your advice Baggins.
JamesP
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