When Partners Think Betrayal Means Hate: Mailbag Special

In this powerful mailbag episode, Tim Stein, Jeanne Vattuone, Wendy Conquest, and Dan Drake, tackle one of the most common and painful questions from partners in recovery: "Did you have to hate me to do this?" A listener in early recovery shares his wife's struggle: she believes he must have been angry with her or even hated her to act out in his addiction. But his experience was rooted in shame, fear, and feelings of inadequacy, not anger toward her. Whether you're the one in recovery or the betrayed partner, this conversation offers clarity, validation, and hope for navigating the complex emotions that come with post-disclosure. Have a question for our next mailbag? Email us at [email protected]. Listen now and share with someone who needs to hear this!