jayman

So today is day 8 for me, I'm feeling good and motivated. But I'm a bit worried about tonight. My work is having a Christmas party at a bowling alley in which we're to exchange our secret santa presents. Every time I've gone there in the past it involved a lot of alcohol as there is a large bar there. I don't want to go, I know if I do the temptation will be there and I don't want to be around the smell or sight of it. But I feel obligated to go because of the occasion. If I tell them I can't go, they'll want to know why and I don't want to tell the real reason. If I simply say I don't want to drink, they'll just say, "Well don't drink!" I can't put myself in that situation.

My plan is to just tell them I can't make it, give the gift for my co-worker to another person to give them at the party. I feel that is the best way to do it.

I just needed to get that out.

paloverde

I'd say only 8 days sober is risky. Just skip out. The issue will immediately blow over once the party is done.

Thepatman

A small white lie is not the end of the world to stay sober.

You suddenly caught a nasty virus that gives you the runs. Voila!

Thepatman

A small white lie is not the end of the world to stay sober.

You suddenly caught a nasty virus that gives you the runs. Voila!

SoberLeigh

Sounds like a wise plan to me, jayman. Good job thinking it through.

pupkin

Yeah Jay, tis the season for all kinds of nasty bugs (I'm typing from current experience). An easy excuse. It sucks to miss the fun, but I agree that you should trust your instincts on this one. Great job, keep it going!

Serenidad

Way to look out for your sobriety (and life) Jay!

Can you tell them you are sick? After all...we DO have the disease of alcoholism, so it's the truth, right? :-)

MIRecovery

Very wise choice

Turtle82

Can't make it, not feeling up to it or schedule conflict (as in I'll go to a meeting instead) would work for me. Anything else, as in expounding or fabricating, would hurt my conscience and that's also important in my sobriety. I think you're doing the right thing not pushing it this early.

MyTime86

It's good that you recognize your limits. Don't worry about missing it you have good reasons to. Your making a great choice.

JanieJ

Wise move. Good for you.

jayman

So I didn't go to the party and I just told them I couldn't make it. I had a great night with my family, made brownies, watched a Christmas movie. I feel really good about this decision and I'm happy I'm going to bed sober. Tomorrow is day 9, I'm motivated and looking forward to waking up with no hangover.

SoberLeigh

Good job, jayman. Sounds like you had a really nice night.

Serenidad

Great job!!! You will thank yourself tomorrow! :-)

Soberwolf

Well done Jayman

BernieE

Well done! Another block in your sober foundation.

FreeOwl

sometimes avoidance is the best policy....

the more I chose to avoid situations like this, the more I realized I didn't really miss anything.

Blessyouall

What a wonderful evening, brought to you based on what you chose NOT to do!

doggonecarl

Always great to read of someone sensing the danger and putting their sobriety ahead of the "fears" of disappointing others or the pressure of obligation. Well done. Hope other newcomers struggling with parties choose the wiser course.