He did go on to say that the hardest part is giving up having a drink or two when we go to the local outdoor taco place or go have a steak at the steakhouse.
i'm curious - how often did you GO to the taco joint or steak house? and how many of those times did he ONLY have a drink or two? and then not drink any more alcohol afterwards?
that is part of romanticizing alcohol. i'm pretty sure they will still sell you tacos or steaks if you do not also order a drink?? and these are not the places one usually goes JUST so they can drink. but it sure sounds all nice and prettied up.
this COULD be part of him sorting it all out, but he doesn't sound fully committed to not drinking again ever. time will tell.