Originally Posted by
Dee74 
I always felt the need to offer an voluminous explanation - then I realised I'd subconsciously assumed everyone else's world revolved around drinking and thoughts of drinking like mine did.
Very few think about drinking the way I did. Most people are not remotely interested whether I drink or not.
This is true. In the beginning of sobriety, we often come up with a list of excuses and put them in our back pockets before every social event. I have rehearsed several stories myself, each one more elaborate than the last...only to find out I don't need them.
Sure I've been pushed. A few strangers on holiday at the beach goaded me once. That's once. In 1.5 years, I'd say that's a pretty good stretch. Today I say "no thanks", and that's the end of it. If anything, it's earned me more approving glances than sideways glances these days. You will find that out as well, as you get more comfortable with your new lifestyle.