Originally Posted by
Carlotta 
I just wish I could say the same that I have never chosen drinking over spending time with friends...
ouch ... this hits home. I'm ashamed to think how many times I've turned down a nice evening out with friends / acquaintances just so that I could sit at home and drink instead.
I'm definitely trying to rectify that & be a bit more social. My husband and I -- while certainly not unfriendly -- are solitary, bookish people and definitely not your dance-on-the-tables, dinner-party-for-20 kind of people. 2 guests over for a BBQ is about it ...
In any event, enjoy your birthday vacation, Carlotta! It sounds lovely.