I truly understand where you're coming from. The need to fit in and be part of the group is a tuff thing to deal with particularly at your age. Everything I thought about
revolved around chasing tail and hanging out with friends in bars or parties. I even at my age find myself being tempted to drink by friends and acquaintances. Most people think I'm entertaining without the alcohol but have mentioned they like to go and have drinks betting I'd really be a nut. A guy I've known for years just the other day asked if I would like to see his new mancave/workshop and have a couple drinks. He knows I have liver disease but he thinks a little drink between friends isn't gonna hurt anything. I reminded him that I almost died and any chance of a transplant would be off the table if something happened and UNC found out.
I can't afford to go through what I did the last time and honestly I believe I wouldn't make it this time if it happened again. You can try to avoid those situations but inevitably you're gonna be confronted with them. I feel like I get alot of respect from people when I stand my ground on this matter. You ever heard "misery loves company". A lot of times I believe people hurt and they need a sympathizer and really who better than another drunk to sympathize with. I have a unique angle that if I was a younger single fella would have been a sure fire way to have picked up the ladies. I don't drink, I can drive without fear of DUI, I don't get drunk and make an ass out of myself. I drank roughly 90.00 a week in booze so now that's ninety bucks to take my wife out to dine or whatever. The only downside is I can't dance. Not actually sure I ever could but the alcohol did make me feel like I was doing a fine job.
I don't condone the use, but there are a few non-alcoholic beers on the market that will at least make you feel like you're partaking also. My days of partying quit when I got remarried so the bars and Keggers are far behind me now. It's not the end of the world and nobody says you have to be loaded to have a good time. Be your own person and let those that wish to gamble with their life do as they please, You don't have to advocate not drinking to your friends. You never know this may
open doors for you that you never even considered, When you look at the world through much clearer eyes you'll be surprised at what's really out there. Pain and suffering is not to be repressed by alcohol or drugs. Experience it full on. Find a quiet place and cry and meditate. There is beauty in life and not much grief or sadness we experience comes without a purpose. We need to experience the healing effect that we all must go through by grieving naturally.
Ziff
Post Edited By Moderator (hep93) : 8/25/2013 1:01:15 PM (GMT-6)