As this forum is open to all opinions, I would like to make comment on this and some other recent posts regarding Manky.
We must try to remind ourselves that he does genuinely suffer from depression and addiction. Being in sobriety can be like having, as Tom Hardy aptly put it, "Llike I'm carrying a 20lb orangutan around my shoulders 24/7."
Now yes, we know know that he does have the money and the time to seek help, however I am beginning to feel these attacks on him are becoming a little brutal. My reason for feeling this (and this is only my opinion) is that he is married to a woman who is:
1) A pathological liar
2) Borderline Narcissist/Socicopath
3) Vehemently jealous
4) Must be in control of everyone's lives
5) Must be the centre of attention at all times
6) Cannot be alone (for that would require hearing her real thoughts and feelings)
7) Incapable of introspection
8) An enabler, NOT a rescuer
With this in mind, being married to such a person for 18 years; said person (Madia) would have, and will do everything in her power to stop him seeking help and getting well, BECAUE i believe if he did, he would leave.
She must remain the sole carer and in being so, she has, and is still moulding her husband into whatever she needs him to be as and when she needs it.
I suppose what I'm trying to say is, at times there is a distinct imbalance in our criticisms towards them. I will continue to repeat, if the gender roles were reversed, would we possibly be a little more kind towards Manky? Would we see (her/Manky) trapped and controlled in a loveless marriage? Nardia (now in the male role) being the breadwinner and not allowing him to go out or do anything which does not involve (her/Manky) being at the centre of Nardia's Universe. Just imagine for one second what that opinionated, ignorant, arrogant woman would be like when the cameras are turned off.. I would imagine, pretty darn intimidating, full of emotionally violent threats and dark, prolonged silences, which permeate the house for possibly days.
This is completely up for debate.
Since the book launch I've noticed some, quite frankly very cruel comments about a person who does genuinely struggle. His wife has a bottle of vodka on the go most of the time. How kind.. when your husband is possibly always on the brink of wanting a drink.
She is gifted make-up, clothes, 'Curly hair' whatever.. She gets to go out, shows off on the 'telly' and afterwards, no doubt people telling her how wonderful, funny and down to earth she is. Goes out lunching, gets smashed, basically has a laugh as and when she wants. Whilst he remains at home being brainwashed by her on how brilliant he is in all aspects of creativity as long as it involves her. He is never allowed a break from the Toy Cave, unless it's to walk the dogs which were just bought as a 'guilt' gift from her, for not being a 'present' hands on Mother.
Just pointing out, for me, knocking her for not using a Ninja properly and spouting off about Sweden is not enough. She is an arch manipulator. Beware Tattler friends, she has managed to distract us, so we brutalise him. The scales of justice seem to me, slightly imbalanced.