Mountainmanbob

It sure is nice today in sobriety when we make the right, moral decisions. So much easier to live with ourselves later.

If you would have blown your loyalty with the one you were engaged to Joe -- it might have always hurt you as you looked into those sweet eyes of hers. Yes, I remember the pain deep inside after running wild on the town when I should have been with the one I loved.

Today sober, we don't do that.
Today we know how important others are to us.

Running with the devil is not an option.
Been there done that.

Blessed are the ones who escaped the devils grip.

MM

Berrybean

I always used to get to partied late - when the 'real' drinking had started and everything had, in my A eyes, livened up (and I wouldn't be the only person who was drunk as a skunk.

Now I like to get there at the start, when everyone is still sober and capable of a conversation. When I arrive I let people (who may worry if I disappear) know that I will only stay for a while. After an hour or so I go.

I really like doing this as it means I get to see people at their best only, and I get two Saturday nights. A night out, and a night in.

At first I felt a bit antisocial doing that, and worried I might upset people. Now I know that
(1) there are more important things to consider - my sobriety for example.
(2) Nobody tends to notice anyone slipping out to go home anyway
(3) If they do notice I've gone early, I probably still upset people a hell of a lot less than I did when I was drinking and had a hyperactive wobbly-gob, and an ego the size of a mountain when I got drunk and started feeling 'prettier; wittier; and tittier'.

emma0202

I have just gone 4 years sober and still struggling with socialising with new groups of people. I used to manage ok when I was drinking but of course could never guarantee my behaviour - so maybe I wasn't managing ok! Anyway, I don't often go to parties but if I do I struggle socialising. In some ways I have little desire nor the energy. I am a bit shy at times so I end up feeling left out and pretty crappy about myself. I have just come from a party for my partner's friend and left my partner there as he wanted to stay on and drink, whereas I was feeling very awkward and kind of uncomfortable. Friends of his that he said were friendly didn't even acknowledge my presence and I tried to involve myself in one or two conversations but felt like I was intruding. I don't want to drink but of course wondering if it would just be easier if I did. I like being sober and know one drink would potentially open the floodgates to daily binge drinking, shame and all the other things which led to me getting sober in the first place. Shouldn't I be better at this by now? Don't other non-drinkers successfully manage at parties or maybe I am just a bit socially inept and it is independent of me being a sober alcoholic? Just feeling a bit sad and angry that I don't fit in. Any words of wisdom?

otter

I occasionally go to gatherings that involve alcohol but don't stay long enough to see the alcohol kick into gear. I go to see old friends that I wouldn't see otherwise. Alcohol to me is like an old bully that made me do things I didn't want and made me look like a fool. I honestly have a genuine hatred for it at this point.

Great post for the holiday weekend. Thank you.

Dee74

I've accepted I'm shy and not very good at meeting new people.
That sure beats the heck out of trying to be the party animal

D

Mountainmanbob

We were at a party today at our Pastors house where most all there were drinking a few drinks over a several hour period. Although we left just a little early, all went well on my side. I don't have to be the life of the party these days. Actually I was only the life of the party until I had a few too many, then it was on like donkey kong. That would be pretty embarrassing around church people. They know how to hold their cool while having a simple drink.

Something that I never did very well.

Yes, our church says it fine to drink a little but, one should not be a drunkard.

MM

120degrees0ut

WOW I loved all these awesome comments. I only read today cuz i didnt have internet again for a while. THANKS Everyone. I see how many of U have been sober for many years. Your ways of thinking are an inspiration to me! Thanx Again...