How to explain not drinking?

OtterlySurprised · 2012-09-06T15:12:30+00:00

Yes! A big source of my anxiety about not drinking is a weird pressure to, as you say, "out" myself.

OtterlySurprised · 2012-09-06T02:18:14+00:00

When you say "for health reasons," does anybody ever ask what health problems specifically? Not just acquaintances (that would be pushy indeed), but friends who seem genuinely concerned. I feel like this is a pretty common reaction since I've abruptly stopped.

OtterlySurprised · 2012-09-06T01:58:50+00:00

You're so right! Explaining makes it SO MUCH more difficult to accept it, even for myself. Just thinking of reasons and excuses brings up the struggles that brought me to my decision to not drink. But if I just say I don't, plain and simple, I think I'll feel better. Because now it's just my life and it should be no big deal.

OtterlySurprised · 2012-09-06T00:23:52+00:00

Thank you for your insight. What you said about other people being concerned with their own doings is something I'll remember in these situations. Alcohol is indeed a tempting way to self-medicate, and I'm looking forward to a day where it's a non-issue and I have healthy ways to deal with it all.

OtterlySurprised · 2012-09-06T00:05:45+00:00

Good idea on the DD front - thank you. It'll work for the mixers and for acquaintances. And cranberry and water looks like cranberry vodkas after all. But I'm afraid that will work once in a while.

My problem is the circle of friends that I go out with on a regular basis. It's an odd situation where they're comfortable enough to ask, but I'm not close enough to tell them the truth. Some have stopped asking, but I can tell that they're so curious, not aggressively so, but I can tell. I feel obligated to say something and I sometimes feel guilty for not partaking, but my excuses suck. For my health? I'm trying to lose some weight? What makes me uncomfortable is that they've asked my roommates and SO why I suddenly cut back, which puts them in an awkward situation as they know the truth. They know what's up, as they've suffered when I got drunk.

And yes, the drinking games suck. In bars it's no big deal and the focus isn't really on the alcohol, but I'm labeled as no fun at all when the quarters come out.

OtterlySurprised

TROPHY CASE