We were out at a friend's place last night and the talk turned to my not drinking. This particular group of friends are fascinated, I think partly because they didn't realise the full extent of the problem I had, and partly because they themselves wouldn't think of quitting alcohol.
I didn't tell them that my intention is never to drink again - I've noticed that a lot of people go a bit strange at that and just keep repeating, "What? Never? EVER?", which really isn't good for my inner demons to hear! - but I did say that it was for the foreseeable future, and that I had quit for a variety of reasons, the main one being (truthfully) that I want to reach my full potential in life and I don't see that happening if alcohol is also in my life.
One of the women said, "But you're getting married in six months. You've GOT to have a glass of champagne on your wedding day!" And just for a split second, a part of my brain said, "Ohh... That's right... You're going to miss out."
Then the rest of me remembered that:
1) I don't drink anymore (duh!!),
2) it's all just a myth that that fizzy drink is going to do anything magic for me,
3) if I was to have even just a sip I'd be drinking several bottles and ending up dancing on the table (wouldn't that be nice in the photos), and
4) It's my wedding day! It's the fact that I'm marrying the man I love, with all of my family and friends there, that will make me happy. Not what's in my glass!
But it did make me think. For a moment there, I felt like I had to justify myself to her. I felt like she was implying that SHE would have less of a good time if I didn't have champagne in my glass! And it made me wonder - are my parents and friends going to feel the same way? Everyone is supportive at the moment. Will that change, I wonder? I'd better prepare.
So, how about everyone else? Have you ever had an important occasion where a family member or friend implied that it would make the day less special if YOU didn't drink?
Would love to hear your thoughts.
Gem
I didn't tell them that my intention is never to drink again - I've noticed that a lot of people go a bit strange at that and just keep repeating, "What? Never? EVER?", which really isn't good for my inner demons to hear! - but I did say that it was for the foreseeable future, and that I had quit for a variety of reasons, the main one being (truthfully) that I want to reach my full potential in life and I don't see that happening if alcohol is also in my life.
One of the women said, "But you're getting married in six months. You've GOT to have a glass of champagne on your wedding day!" And just for a split second, a part of my brain said, "Ohh... That's right... You're going to miss out."
Then the rest of me remembered that:
1) I don't drink anymore (duh!!),
2) it's all just a myth that that fizzy drink is going to do anything magic for me,
3) if I was to have even just a sip I'd be drinking several bottles and ending up dancing on the table (wouldn't that be nice in the photos), and
4) It's my wedding day! It's the fact that I'm marrying the man I love, with all of my family and friends there, that will make me happy. Not what's in my glass!
But it did make me think. For a moment there, I felt like I had to justify myself to her. I felt like she was implying that SHE would have less of a good time if I didn't have champagne in my glass! And it made me wonder - are my parents and friends going to feel the same way? Everyone is supportive at the moment. Will that change, I wonder? I'd better prepare.
So, how about everyone else? Have you ever had an important occasion where a family member or friend implied that it would make the day less special if YOU didn't drink?
Would love to hear your thoughts.
Gem
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