Why are some so proud?

[nancy]

Why are some so proud?

Hi there

I really think this is a cultural issue. People get used to certain norms. Like in a fraternity house, normal to get very drunk. Certain regions, certain countries are like that.

You are more of a free-thinker and going against the culture around you.

I think a big reason to want to quit is social shame, unfortunately, but if everyone around you is doing the same or worse, that factor is not there.

Do your own thing.

[CS04]

Why are some so proud?

Yes, it gets hard to live in the frat party after awhile. You are a bigger person for wanting more for yourself. (I will give you my friend's # in your town -- she is not a teetotaler, but knows of my struggles, and she would definitely be an AF friend when needed!)

[vera-b]

Why are some so proud?

I think Nancy has a point. Some of it is certainly cultural. Others may brag about how much they can "hold" because their lives are so shallow they have nothing else to offer. As was said so well before, perhaps many of them know this "deep down" but refuse to go there because that would mean change - and that's scary. But Miss Alaska, you're embracing change and that's a good thing. Who cares if the others are stuck back at zero? If you need some folks who will understand the changes you're trying to make in your life, well, that would be us. Keep up all your good efforts. We're rooting for you!

Vera-b.

[A Work in Progress]

Why are some so proud?

AK, it's hard to buck the tide. Yeah, they will ask you "why" in such a way that you will feel pressure to either apologize for your decision, or give in and drink with them... it'll take a lot of self-confidence to ride that out. I don't blame you at all for wanting to take your time with that, get more stable and comfortable in your freedom from alcohol. And when you get there, one answer to "why?" would be a very simple, non-judgmental "because I feel so much better when I don't drink." Something like that. They might laugh at you... but I guarantee it will be an uncomfortable laughter, because many of them will know that you have found something that they wish they could find.

keep on building your strength; you are doing great!

wip

[hulagirl]

Why are some so proud?

Because they're jerks.

[Carmac]

Why are some so proud?

AK -

I agree with others posting. It is indeed very cultural. In my work circles in one of the Top 4 consulting firms, drinking is all the rage at every social work gathering. After work, while on travel, at offsites, every one gathers at the bar to drink. And these are very educated people so that's not a discriminator.

Congrats on taking care of you...that's what matters.

[lil.michelle]

Why are some so proud?

It's true with AAthlete. This drink hasn't caused enough pain yet. Maybe they don't think they have a problem. People have different attitudes towards drink. You have the right one. You're doing REALLY well. Stay strong hun!

[Chelle12]

Why are some so proud?

Definitely with the 'cultural' thing. Some communities where I live seem to survive on working their 9-5 week then blowing their wages on a friday-saturday nights out on the town.
In the UK, we have a TV programme called "boozy britain" which focuses on different cities and towns and has cameras following groups of people on their nights out. It's shocking to watch kids in their late teens knocking back shot after shot, then being egged on to drink a pint in one, then staggering home.

[Little UK Star]

Why are some so proud?

I know what you mean, some people are proud of the amount they drink and boast about it. I know a lot of my friends judge a night out on how much they remember ...if they don't remember anything and had to be carried home then it was obviously a 'top night out'. I always feel embarrased and worried if I can't remember parts of a night out in case I've offended someone or done something stupid again.
Binge drinking is definitely a big problem these days, and it's hard not to cave in to peer pressure when everyone around you is drinking. :eeks:

[Chelle12]

Why are some so proud?

Little UK Star, I remember my college days being just that! If you werent knocking back drink after drink, then you were a kinda 'party pooper' and boring.
So many times I woke up thinking where am I/ what did I do/who with(!)
Soooo glad Im settled with a wonderful partner now who keeps an eye on me.
After the birth of my son 13 years ago, I stopped the nights out (had to!) and stopped drinking for ages, only just to start up again in the house when my son's father left me.

[Little UK Star]

Why are some so proud?

Chelle12 I know what you mean! I get so much stick for refusing nights out, but I know if I don't I'm just gonna get really plastered, ,make a complete t*t of myself and end up ill and embarrased for days! I haven't yet been on a night out and not drank, I can imagine that people think it's pretty boring though, I know I would have a few months ago
That's so good you're settled with a partner who keeps his eye on you, that must be a massive help to have that support and guidance

[Guest]

Why are some so proud?

It's also a cultural thing - we are raised to think alcohol is cool, normal even. AS we get older it becomes a 'treat' or reward at the end of a long day. Ummm, it's a poison.

[bloggy]

Why are some so proud?

When I was about 21 and working in Benidorm (a tourist town in Spain with around 1000 bars at the time) one of the bars had a drinking competition - who could drink a pint of beer the fastest- it went in rounds so the winner went through to the next round etc. I am 5 foot 5 and quite small boned, but I beat all these big guys round after round- until I won the competition.

I thought it was great. I now wonder why alarm bells didn't sound.

[Little UK Star]

Why are some so proud?

Yeah we are being brought up in the culture of aclcohol being the coolest thing ever. It is so glamourised by adverts, magazines, etc... So many people just go to work all week so that they can 'reward' themselves at the weekend by poisoning their bodies with alcohol. It is hard to avoid without people seeing you as boring and a 'stick in the mud' :cry:

[bloggy]

Why are some so proud?

BTW Little UK- Congrats on your AF Days! Awesome!