Such a great post!
Alcoholism has such a stigma. Being labeled as an alcoholic still brings such negative thoughts to people's minds. People feel differently about you knowing you are an alcoholic. It's just they way people are.
Out of control.
Weak willed.
Character flaw.
Who likes to think of themselves as flawed? Who likes to admit it?
"No thanks" works for the majority of situations, but for those who have known us to be drinkers, they want more of an explanation. And sometimes they can be quite persistent until they get one.
There are some great responses here. I love these...
"It just wasn't helping me in any way in my life."
"I feel so much better without it."
"I've outgrown my partying days."
"I've decided to focus on my health and fitness," (of course, then there's health and fitness to focus on...)
"I'm taking a break from it to see how I like a completely alcohol-free life." You could use that for the next 40 years - "Oh, yeah, I'm still taking a break."
"I don't like how I feel when I drink," or, "I don't like the day-after feeling."
The one I just used was, "It's toxic. Britain has just reduced the daily number of drinks for men from 2 down to 1. I don't know why the U.S. hasn't done that. It's a poisonous substance. And I really don't think there is a safe amount. What word is in the middle of "intoxication"? And let's be honest, who stops at one? How much fun is that?"
I'm facing a trip next month to see my in-laws. Big drinkers who know me to be one as well. This is a very timely post indeed.