Red - there have been many conversations on MWO about isolation and drinking. They seem to go hand-in-hand for some of us. I was always an at-home-alone drinker, and stayed far away from others during my benders. I could always keep it under control in social situations - and would make up the difference once I got home.
Now I make an effort to stay connected with other people, here and in my real life. But I must caution you, pick your social events very carefully in the beginning. The other conversation going on here in the nest recently talks about the difficulties of staying AF in social situations. It takes some practice. People do try to push AL on you, although I don't think their motives are evil. But that is a whole 'nother conversation. My close friends are getting very used to me not drinking now. In fact, they automatically offer me a non-AL drink. I think they would be scared if I asked for the real thing these days. Funny how that works.
I have had a rough week, and was pulling away from everyone again. Not because I was drinking, just because it's a bad habit of mine when I am overwhelmed. I received a thoughtful, and unusual text from a dear friend about an hour ago. It was very personal, so I can't share the whole thing, but it did start with..."when wine becomes more important than friends..." She automatically assumed I was drinking because I was slipping back into isolating mode. In the past, I would have been angry. Today, I was moved by her concern. Coming out of the AL closet to my closest friends and family has been a good thing for me. They have my back. But it took me a very long time to feel comfortable doing it.
Take care, Rednose and stay strong. You are on the right path. You'll be amazed how many people will not only respect your decision not to drink, but will support it. I've even had one friend join me on this journey. And we used to be big drinking buddies.
Thank you everyone for the kind words regarding my brother. I appreciate it.
xx, Moss
Now I make an effort to stay connected with other people, here and in my real life. But I must caution you, pick your social events very carefully in the beginning. The other conversation going on here in the nest recently talks about the difficulties of staying AF in social situations. It takes some practice. People do try to push AL on you, although I don't think their motives are evil. But that is a whole 'nother conversation. My close friends are getting very used to me not drinking now. In fact, they automatically offer me a non-AL drink. I think they would be scared if I asked for the real thing these days. Funny how that works.
I have had a rough week, and was pulling away from everyone again. Not because I was drinking, just because it's a bad habit of mine when I am overwhelmed. I received a thoughtful, and unusual text from a dear friend about an hour ago. It was very personal, so I can't share the whole thing, but it did start with..."when wine becomes more important than friends..." She automatically assumed I was drinking because I was slipping back into isolating mode. In the past, I would have been angry. Today, I was moved by her concern. Coming out of the AL closet to my closest friends and family has been a good thing for me. They have my back. But it took me a very long time to feel comfortable doing it.
Take care, Rednose and stay strong. You are on the right path. You'll be amazed how many people will not only respect your decision not to drink, but will support it. I've even had one friend join me on this journey. And we used to be big drinking buddies.
Thank you everyone for the kind words regarding my brother. I appreciate it.
xx, Moss
Comment