Jtf7

He called me up last week to catch up as we hadn't seen each other in a couple of months despite us working for the same company (different offices). We usually meet at a pizza bar, and have 3.5 drinks each. This time I told him that I was over alcohol and that we should meet some where else. Being the cool guy that he is, he said no problem.

Well, during the course of dinner, he told me that he was going through a divorce from his wife of over a decade. This blew me away! Usually, this would be an occasion for us to get sloshed, but I'm committed to being sober, so we talked while eating and drinking water.

You know what? We had a great time talking about life, marriage, women and his cautions for me about relationships. I'm home now, typing this and I feel proud that I didn't succumb to indulging in alcohol tonight---a month ago, I would be totally wasted consoling my friend.

mapp

Thank you for sharing this....it's so,important for each of us to realize how we can truly experience fun , heartfelt conversation or a simple meal with,friends or family without alcohol or any other DOC. I had a similar experience tonight playing board games and eating,popcorn with my family. I treasure and will,build on tonight's experience.

Good for you, I'm so glad you had such a good experience

Ruby2

Thank you for sharing this and what a thoughtful and supportive friend you have. And what a supportive friend you can and are, sober.

Jtf7

Thank you thank you. If I was drinking, I would have probably suggested going to nudie bar, or going to pick up spot. Neither would be a good idea for him or I, at the moment.

It's frustrating to see the type of person I can be while sober, verses the monster I become while intoxicated.

PurpleKnight

Great stuff on pushing through!!

Eddiebuckle

Good work, JTF. The thing that occurred to me from your post is that your friend simply rolled with not drinking. I think many newly sober people fear these types of encounters, thinking that alcohol is socially imperative under these circumstances.

Thanks for sharing that.