Hi Melsbells, it is great you are reaching out here. This is such a supportive forum. I don’t have much to add to what others have said. I strongly agree that you don’t need to tell anyone anything you are not comfortable with. You have a right to privacy and self protection. I was a very private heavy drinker, and my recovery has been private as well (except for here at SR). I’ve told different people different things as to why I’m not drinking. But ultimately I realized like least said that I don’t owe anyone any explanation at all. These days I just tend to say that alcohol doesn’t agree with me anymore. I also happen to live in a very health conscious community and it’s become more acceptable to use better health as a reason not to drink.
As you continue to pass up urges to drink, the irritability will become less. Life will get so much better as you progress in sobriety. Life problems still happen but they are easier to manage when sober.
I hope to see you around here!