almost alone

It is my belief that humans are social animals. that is why therapy really works better than medication. Interpersonal relationships, caring, compassion,and understanding, make a huge difference in keeping people healthy and happy.

So when Charlie comes in a tells me how his life is so much better now it is difficult for me to let it go at that. Although I do believe him.

He works from home, leaning over his computer, making sure that the software for some national utility company works and that the seven state region keeps functioning. When he is not on call he goes into his wood shop and carves very beautiful wooden animal replicas. He has showed me pictures.

When he has finished carving, he puts them on the shelves he built, with the two dozen others.

Charlie is married. His wife goes off to work each day. On the weekend she sees her family. He stays home. He cooks. My impression is they say about twenty words a week. If they have sex he's happy.

He has no plans to show anyone his carvings, besides his wife. I get to see the pictures.

The problem for me is that he is such a nice guy. He would hate my saying this, but he is really sweet. People should get to know him. He would like them; they would really like him. He is smart and interesting. At least I think so. I look forward to seeing him.

Yes, his mother left him to run off with the coke dealer,and his father beat him and humiliated him. He was fat and quiet at school and the kids made his life hell. But that was twenty years ago.

He doesn't want to risk it. He is happy where he is.

But he comes to therapy, regularly. He has a real relationship with me. Maybe he will learn from that, or maybe that's enough.