Great post, Binder. I've tried several times this year to go out sober with friends. It always blows. After 20 minutes or so I'm looking at my watch and planning my exit strategy. 3 hours and $25 worth of soda waters later I'm finally on my way home feeling nothing but relief. The conversations are soooo boring and feel so forced.
The last couple weekends I've stayed in completely. Buddy wanted to go down to the Irish pub in town tonight, but I'm not falling for that one again. I'll either get completely smashed or be horrible sober company.
This has to change though. Human interaction outside of work is very important. I need to find a way to get out of the house on weekends that doesn't involve drinking. I'd almost rather resign myself to drinking again than become a sober shut-in. I need to meet some damn girls.