I realized something—he’s not just an alcoholic

Over the holidays I noticed something about my father. He’s not just an alcoholic, he’s also emotionally immature.

I don’t know if he’s always been like this, but I have trouble remembering a time when he wasn’t.

My mom’s standard response whenever I’ve asked ‘Why does he act like that?’ has been that he was an only child and therefore got all of the attention.

I’ve come to realize just how true this is. For example, when my father has to use the restroom, his behavior starts to deteriorate, fast. He becomes extremely irritable and even the smallest inconvenience can set him off. My mom usually turns to me at the point and goes ‘Oh my god this is so embarrassing. And he probably just has to go to the bathroom’. He also refuses to go to the bathroom if he thinks he can hold it until he gets home.

She’s been right 100% of the time so far. My father will freak out on someone, then as soon as we get home he will go straight to the bathroom.

I cannot believe i never noticed this before. I have no idea if this is emerged recently (my dad’s drinking has only gotten bad over the past five years or so) or if this is how he’s always been.