Hi guys,
Thanks for all your messages and support. I decided not to go. I just told them I was sick, which isn't really a lie because I've actually been having really bad GI issues since yesterday and I'm needing the toilet a lot. Honestly, I probably could have handled it from the drinking point of view, but I couldn't see it being fun, and it's way on the other side of town and I don't drive... so reasons to stay in were mounting.
You're right Heartcore, I was and am not excited about the celebrations! I'm nowhere near figuring out this socialising while not drinking thing. I'm actually quite socially phobic and alcohol masked that for me. I've seen friends one-on-one and its been fine and enjoyable, but sitting with a bunch of other people who are all drinking... it would make me uncomfortable for sure, and even if I didn't pick up a drink I think I would have been quite miserable.
I'm friendly with the bride and groom, but we aren't close and I'm not integral to the celebrations in any way. There'll be further opportunities to flex my sobriety muscles around drinkers but I just don't think tonight was it... although ultimately, my goal is to be able to do anything normal people do without a drink in my hand.