My Dad was a very mellow drunk. He was VERY depressed, so he drank himself numb. He'd sit in his chair and cry about my Mom and stepmom and how much he loved them both. It killed me to watch him kill himself.
I recall years ago when our family (all uncles, aunts, cousins, grandparents, etc.) used to drive out to Bolton Lake on the weekends. We'd have cookouts, go swimming, hiking. They were my fondest memories because, as Laura's Babies said, I always felt loved. Even though it WAS through an acoholic haze. Back then there WERE no laws against drunk driving. Not as strict as now. They thought nothing of packing everyone up and driving home after a day of drinking. I don't think I ever remember any of my family members actually sober.