Going Out For Drinks

Last Saturday I went "out for drinks" with some friends from the gym. NO...I did not drink alcohol :)

I was a bit nervous. I really haven't been doing much socially.  I arrived first (I'm always early...character flaw?!?),and the next to arrive was a friend I've know for a few years. I told her my big secret was that I've given up alcohol. She was very supportive. 

I didn't make a big announcement to anyone else. The hardest part by far is when the waiter first asks what everyone is having to drink. I was surprised that the first person to order had club soda with lime!  I ordered water.  The 3 others ordered wine and beer.   When my friend ordered her beer, she turned to me and said "I hope that's ok".   I said "of course"! The last thing I want to do is make anyone uncomfortable or change what they're ordering. 

No one cared that I ordered water...no one said a word!  Later, when the waiter came back to see about more drinks everyone said no thanks.  All I could think was how much I would have wanted more!

I had such a great time connecting with new friends and old. The biggest lesson here is that I CAN socialize without alcohol!  I CAN make conversation without loosening up with a drink first!  I can laugh and be silly and talk about serious things too!

Day 21

Another Saturday with no hangover, it feels good.

Busy with the kids activities today and it feels good to feel good.

Last night was my first time eating out since I officially quit drinking.  On the way to the restaurant I felt grumpy and slightly anxious.  We were meeting my in-laws and I thought there'd be more people there but it turned out to be just them and I was glad for that.  I drank water, my husband had a couple of margaritas.  Overall it was easy and fun and I enjoyed the conversation. 

My mother-in-law is a classic normal drinker.  I have known her for 20 years and NEVER seen her drink too much.  Always one or maybe two.  I have always noticed this and wondered how she did it and never wanted more.  I am aware that my brain does not work like that when it comes to alcohol.

Interestingly, my father-in-law does not drink.  I have seen him have a Bloody Mary maybe 5 times in the past 20 years.  Ever since I first met him I was always fascinated by the fact that he was a non drinker.  I'd often drink a lot and try to persuade him to drink, but it never worked.  I also remember many occasions when I'd been drinking and ask him questions about his non drinking.  I just could not grasp the idea that he just didn't drink.

When questioned last night about the fact that I hadn't ordered a drink I responded simply that I was "cutting down".  My father-in-law joked that he had been cutting down for the past 20 years and I joked back (but was serious) that I was following in his footsteps.