Relationship with alcoholic

Dear Dr. Jo: I have been in a relationship with an alcoholic for four years. I love her completely! It is tearing me apart to watch her self-destruct. She has been up and down during our relationship. She tells me she wants to spend the rest of her life with me, but does not know how to love. She also has custody of two wonderful girls. I have always tried to be there to help them with their mother, yet I don't know if I am capable of this. I know they love their mother, but her behavior is tearing them apart. The girls are 16 and 8. The older daughter is in and out of counseling, yet the youngest refuses to talk to anyone. What is the best way for me to help these girls? I love them as if they were my own.

Love without trust.

Dear Dr. Jo: Is there such a thing as love without trust? I am very much in love with my partner; however, he lies to me about stupid stuff. He tells me he loves me all of the time, but it is hard for me to accept because I believe that people do not lie to people that they love. I want more than anything to believe him, but the lying makes me nervous.