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Should I drink?

Poll - Total Votes: 10
Yes
No
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I haven't drank for about 5 weeks now. I don't have any alcohol right now, but I want to get some and maybe drink one day. Just one day won't hurt. Just to remember whatvs it like.
Actually I do have a small airplane vodka bottle (I found it today while I was cleaning), but I won't deink it, I don't really like vodka. I could get beer tomorrow.
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curiosi · 61-69, F
As long as you come on tonight and keep us entertained, then it's fine.
Dan193 · 31-35, M
@curiosi Also it's not like I will never drink alcohol now, because my family is big into wines and there are drinks at every celebration. It's almost impolite not to drink.
LucyFuhr · 56-60, F
@Dan193 As someone who has a number of drinkers in the family, I can assure you, they're far more polite when they don't drink.
Dan193 · 31-35, M
@LucyFuhr Yeah, now I'm actually thinking of what plausable excuses I could come up with, not to drink. Because they'll want a reason.
Best one that came to mind so far, is that I'm getting ready to take a medication course that doesn't allow drinking.
LucyFuhr · 56-60, F
@Dan193 Not to sound all self righteous or anything but anyone who expects an excuse as to why you're not drinking, doesn't have their priorities straight.

If you want excuses though, I got a few of them...watching your weight...health issues...religion...and self respect 😉 LOL
Dan193 · 31-35, M
@LucyFuhr health issues you say 🤔...😅 Thx
LyricalBlues · 36-40
@Dan193 Some people in my circles used to create that vibe too, like it was unacceptable or impolite to refuse a drink. Much like you often get in society when you say you don't drink, don't want to drink, or don't feel like drinking..? There are so many prejudices about "not drinking" simply because it's become so enshrined in social conventions over time.. The decision not to drink should be a personal choice and that choice shouldn't be questioned like it so often is. No one should be pressured overtly or covertly into it.

I don't know why you have decided not to drink in recent weeks, but, if you don't feel you should, then I hope you won't let social pressure deter you from your choice.

All it takes sometimes is one person standing up or standing their ground for change to happen. No one ever questions anyone anymore when they decide not to drink in my circles :)
LucyFuhr · 56-60, F
@Dan193 My pleasure.
P.S. Get well soon 😜 LOL
Dan193 · 31-35, M
@LyricalBlues I know, but it is questioned. And I don't want to seem like I have issues... like alcoholism. They have a good impression of me. "Good boy". Can't let them know that I struggled with it for 8 years. I'm not ready to share that with others yet. Even here was difficult to write about it for the first times.
LyricalBlues · 36-40
@Dan193 I can definitely understand that. I used to feel so uncomfortable whenever people would question why I chose not to drink--feeling like I had to give them a reason.. it felt that way for quite a while.. like people just couldn't quite understand why I'd simply choose to not drink alcohol anymore. And I can definitely relate with the feeling like if you don't give them a valid reason, they might think up reasons you may not want them to associate with you.. It took a long time before I decided people didn't need to know all the whys of my choice.. but even nowadays sometimes, when dealing with some nosy people, an easy unquestionable reason is just easier. The upside of openly saying you've decided never to drink alcohol again though, is it can lead to more support and fewer people questioning or judging.. And eventually it can become simply a simple fact for those who know you.. Now it's a complete nonissue with people who know me--they just know to offer non-alcoholic beverages ;)
Dan193 · 31-35, M
@LyricalBlues Yeah, I can understand that. And I feel like if I told my family they would understand and be supportive, but I guess for myself, I don't want them to know about my personal struggles.
By the way what unquestionable reasons do u have?
@Dan193 I think the opposite. It takes courage to stand up for what you believe in. I think that would make a much better impression and especially a good example if there are younger people around.
Dan193 · 31-35, M
@LadyGrace Maybe, but I'm not like that. I'm more humble.
@Dan193 Why do you need an excuse... to fit in? No explanation needed. That's like apologizing for who you are or want to be. If the truth be known, I bet they would look up to you for it, and I bet you that perhaps privately, a few of them wish they could do the same. But they are more concerned about appearances than taking care of their body. By your good example, maybe they will see that it's okay to be who they want to be and that people will still accept them. That's the way it's supposed to be anyway. Just say "No man, I'm getting in shape for this summer. And I bet y'all won't be able to keep up with me.", then laugh.
LyricalBlues · 36-40
@Dan193

Some reasons I often find people don't question is saying you're on antibiotics (e.g. for an ear infection maybe if you're looking for an actual non-embarrassing fake reason for why you'd be on antibiotics) or that you've just taken a strong painkiller for a bad ache (e.g head, back, knee).. being the designated driver can also work sometimes, but then for longer events some people may still try to push for "just one drink"... but few people ever question the wisdom of abstaining when you've just told them you've taken other medications that aren't meant to be taken with alcohol :)

I hope eventually you'll feel comfortable simply saying "no thank you" and that those around you will accept "no thanks" as a complete answer without questioning your motives.. but in the meantime, I hope you'll find ways to say no, even if you aren't ready to share your whole truth just yet..