Holiday Blog #3 – True Story… So sad

I found this story on the Internet, proving positively that it’s true.  Don’t let this happen to you (or maybe you should?)!

Addiction, Oh No!

By Anonymouse (“Not her real name”)

The word addiction usually conjures up images of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and gamblers losing the rent money. But for me it’s playing bridge on the internet. It is just so easy. I can find a partner any time. At 2:00 in the morning there is probably someone from Australia looking for a partner.

I don’t think there is anything wrong with playing Bridge.  Mr problem is the time I spend feeding my habit.  Sometimes I make deals with myself, “if you clean the floors you can play one game of Bridge.” But that usually backfires because I either win or lose. Either way I want a rematch.

I have tried to cut back on more than one occasion. Last year I even tried giving it up for Lent, to no avail. The problem with an addiction like mine is that I may not ever hit rock bottom and it will never ruin my life. I mean I’m not gambling away the mortgage money when I play. I can still go to work and clean and take care of my family. Well I have to be honest I am not the most meticulous house cleaner, but I don’t think I can blame that on Bridge.

I mean isn’t Bridge improving my ability to think strategically, add up small numbers, and count to thirteen? You never know when you might need those skills.

It began innocently enough. I coordinated games with my friends and we could chat while we played. And now I think that when an addiction consumes as much time as mine, it may be time to try and kick the habit.  And I have to admit that for all the time spent playing, my bridge skills haven’t even improved very much.

The first step in recovery is to admit you are an addict, and that is what I am doing. I was thinking about asking for help to quit, but I am afraid that if I do, I will get it. So I guess my heart is not completely committed to quitting yet. I would really like just enough help to cut down to less than 30 minutes a day.

………………………………………………………………..

(This is based on an actual internet report with a lot of editing.  Names and other identifying material have been withheld for privacy…. your reporter, Hazel)

My philosophy is a bit different ….

LIFE IS A GAME

BRIDGE IS SERIOUS!

Your favorite Nutt