Difficult being around/talking to people
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 424
Difficult being around/talking to people
2 weeks sober
Have a plan in place, keeping it simple and tackling one day at a time with my tools.
My question is, was it difficult to talk to people/have a conversation when you first got sober? This is with people you know.
Some days it's easy, and I listen, ask questions, etc. and I feel like I'm making some progress.
Other days, I feel anxious/awkward talking to people and not at all comfortable.
I appreciate any feedback/advice. Thanks!
Have a plan in place, keeping it simple and tackling one day at a time with my tools.
My question is, was it difficult to talk to people/have a conversation when you first got sober? This is with people you know.
Some days it's easy, and I listen, ask questions, etc. and I feel like I'm making some progress.
Other days, I feel anxious/awkward talking to people and not at all comfortable.
I appreciate any feedback/advice. Thanks!
Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Boston Ma
Posts: 980
Susie, Yes, I agree that in general talking to people is just plain old different. Sometimes I hear myself talking now and it seems awkward, I have to remember to smile, finish sentences etc. I was never drunk at work but I was hung over, maybe just looking at everything through new lens. I've never been sober before.....
Member
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Midwest U.S.
Posts: 142
I actually find talking to people easier now because 1) I don't have to try to hide alcohol or hangover breath, 2) my brain functions normally, so I am able to articulate what I am thinking without rambling or trailing off mid-sentence, and 3) I'm not in a foul mood, so I greet people warmly, and they respond in kind.
I mean...I'm still pretty awkward sometimes, but I've been that way with and without alcohol.
ABW1
I mean...I'm still pretty awkward sometimes, but I've been that way with and without alcohol.
ABW1
Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Washington State
Posts: 591
Suzieq - I have pretty strong social anxiety, so this affects me all the time, whether in a period of sobriety or not. Mostly I just try to have patience and compassion for myself, and try to draw boundaries when needed (eg in AA I dont push myself to do more of the group-speaking than I can handle, and if I'm feeling a lot of anxiety I'll let people know - speaking about it can often make it easier).
Member
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 37
Yes..I have social anxiety...I am withdrawn alot..and when I was drinking I would reach out through txt or fb more liquid courage..but being sober I've keep the to myself..increased my antidepressants...and have had time to reflect and accept I think more responsibility...and voice less..and that's ok ..just how I am. AA meeting was hard not big on speaking in groups..but amazing thing was it felt good..I'm on day 15 ..no expert but this is my story.
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,439
It's always been difficult for me too Suzieq. It's better now but it took a little longer than 2 weeks for me to get to where I m now 
It took me 30 days just to stop thinking about drinking every waking moment.
Don't push yourself too hard just yet
D
It took me 30 days just to stop thinking about drinking every waking moment.
Don't push yourself too hard just yet
D
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