Alison, Without a relationship, I feel that I can manage my treatment more effectively. I do think I may be able to salvage some of the old friendships, but not rushing in with desperation. My church ignored me three years ago when my dad went into the hospital with congestive heart failure; even though I reached out to my pastors. I find friendships at the AA meetings, because those people know what I struggled with. My girlfriend has 3 kids; 19, 16, and 6. 19 year old in collage, 16 year old is a pathological liar, and the 6 year old is a ADHD hyperactive ball of confusion. She seems to cater to their every desire, but no discipline at all. She is working on finishing her Ph.D, and I think she just doesn't see how her divorce has negatively effected those kids. I cannot be the one to hold that mess together and still maintain my sanity.