No, thank you, I don't drink.
About two and a half years ago I was going to meet an old friend of mine, Caroline, for breakfast after not seeing her in over 30 years.
Caroline had trained me at an animal hospital I was working as a veterinary assistant. We had a great time working together, she was an amazing trainer, and we developed a close bond working together so closely day after day.
Eventually, we started doing things outside of work. We went to a couple of different zoos together and a very scary haunted house. Sometimes we’d drink together. I would always drink too much; I didn’t have a shut-off valve. I drank til I couldn’t stand.
When at breakfast Caroline and I reminisced about all these things and I proudly yet a little shyly told her I don’t drink anymore.
I told her I had quit, and I was happier without it.
She said she doesn’t drink much maybe 1 beer a couple times a year. I said I wish I could have 1 beer a couple times a year, but once I get started, I can’t stop!
Our conversation flowed smoothly, and we had a lot of laughs and fun. When I was about to get in my car to leave Caroline said to me, “I’m glad you don’t drink anymore, there’s so many more fun things to do besides getting drunk.”
Caroline and I are good friends once again. I’m glad I opened up and told her I didn’t drink. Our friendship isn’t centered on alcohol. We get together quite often for breakfast, and we’ve gone to a painting class together. We send each other cards and encourage each other through texts.
I don’t think our friendship would have continued if I had still been drinking because quite frankly, I was selfish and didn’t want to be in a friendship with anyone other than Miller Lite.
This article was inspired by
and his article titled, “Hiding My Sobriety.” Check him out if you’re looking for great sobriety-related reading.
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