At the gym this morning I saw a former coworker who I remain friends with but don't see very often. We chatted for a few minutes and she said "after the new year we should get together for a drink." I smiled and said "that would be great." I really do think it would be great to get together with her and catch up, but my mind also had a minute of panic just then. Not panic that I wouldn't be able to successfully meet for drinks without drinking alcohol but panic because I wasn't sure if I should tell her at that moment that I'd quit drinking. I was afraid she'd feel let down or that it wouldn't be as much fun to make plans. In situations like this it is always a bit strange for me. I mean, who knows if we will actually get together, at least any time soon. Also I felt if I mentioned it I would feel obligated to get into a discussion about why I've quit. So for today I decided to just let it go without mention and I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.
On an earlier blog post I made a list of celebrities who don't drink because I am a bit fascinated by this. Here's a picture to go with one of those names (you're welcome!)
Nice eye candy. thanks!
ReplyDeleteWe all love Mrs D and she rocks. she has told the world she doesn't drink and everyone thinks she is a superstar. so why are we still hiding our 'dirty little secret?"
TELL THE WORLD AND BE PROUD. YOU DONT HAVE TO GIVE A REASON. JUST BECAUSE I WANT TO SO THERE.
hugs from nz
Lisa
www.thecword-compassion.com
Yes, sobriety sure looks good on him! I've actually slowly started telling quite a few people but still get caught off guard sometimes when it comes up in conversation. Honestly I've probably built it up in my mind too much and it wouldn't even be a big deal.
DeleteI have told a couple of people now too, but only recently. I agree when you make plans to catch up for 'a drink' it can be awkward. I would do the same as you, just say 'yeah sounds great' a lot of those plans never come to be anyway so no need to explain until you need to. Love that picture. 10 years too wow!
ReplyDeleteI know, "let's have a drink" is just one of those things we say/hear so often. But now I feel like I'm hiding this secret. I say if Bradley Cooper can do it so can we!
DeleteI think that panic is normal. For me, drinking is really, was really who I was socially. The idea that's changed is hard for me. Someone pointed out to me, well how often did you drink, for me everyday. They then said, erm no, not all day everyday. So my 'rapid-chuck-a-bottle-of-wine-down-my-neck' probably only took up 2 hours of my day. So the sober me is someone other folks probably see more of.
ReplyDeleteLong waffle for the following statement. Can you meet them for a cuppa/daytime, somewhere there isn't alcohol if you still feel funny. I know I do so when meeting chums I'm heavy drinkers with, I've met them for lunch (driving) or for a cuppa (no need to drink) or I've got and just said not drinking today.
Recently I've been brave and said just cutting down a bit before the madness starts.
I hope I have no more madness starting anytime soon. :)
x
Hi, thanks for being here. You've made some good points. The madness isn't completely out of my life but it's not the drinking fueled kind!
DeleteI agree with Lisa about the eye candy!! As I get older (yes, I am older than you, but a FUN older! LOL), I am finding it easier to tell people. In fact, I seem to telling EVERYONE I know, one person at a time! Even old bartender "friends"! I might as well announce it on FB. Besides getting older (have I mentioned that?) my last HORRIBLE drinking time was a public humiliation at my favorite yoga studio, and it was the first time I was drunk in that kind of situation. So it was almost like a public "outing". UHG! Horrible! Keeps me sober yet!
ReplyDeleteThis was a long reply, but I think you will know when it starts to feel right to tell people.
No I don't think you had mentioned that you were getting older...ha ha! I am not announcing anything on FB quite yet although that thought has crossed my mind. Like maybe after a year I might want to post about it?!?
Delete