I seem to have become part of a drinking gang

[SnowyLamb]

There's only 3 of us. All middle aged, the other two are men. We don't go out often, maybe every six weeks or so. Drink quite a lot of real ale and spend a happy few hours putting the world to rights. Proper, if drunken debate. Spirited, but never heated

They are very bad for me, I never drink as much with anyone else, I don't drink much at a between our outings, but I do enjoy our days/evenings out.

Very rarely see them for any other reason, don't even message inbetween really, if one of us were to stop drinking, I doubt we'd ever see them. I feel completely safe with them, they've never once done or said anything to make me uncomfortable and yet no conversation subject is off limits.

They're not friends exactly and the dynamic is unusual, but it does feel like something important, actually.

What's that about?

Sounds like good fun to me. I’d keep doing it until it isn’t fun any more.

Just enjoy it OP. I love going out and having a few beers, I don't need to do it on a weekly or even monthly basis but going out and putting the world to rights in a pub is a nice enjoyable activity.

Sounds like a good thing, interesting company. How did you meet? Is it situational, such as work or hobby mates or you have the same local?

We run together occasionally, but aren't really the same pace. The first time it was a running club thing and it was we three left after everyone else left. Now we just meet up for a drink.

What’s the question?

Sounds like friendship to me! Enjoy it.

Beer, good company and being able to claim membership of a “drinking gang” 😃 what’s not to love?! Enjoy OP

It's meeting up with friends for one drink too many, a good chat and a bit of fun!
It needs no other explanation.

Could you swap beer for a shandy if you want to reduce how much you drink on the night? Otherwise it sounds fun.

This!

What makes you feel uncomfortable? Do any / all of you have partners?

Is it because they are male? Is that unusual in your friendships?

I had a phase when I was younger and nearly all my drinking buddies were male, and even now at 50 and happily married, I still really enjoy blokey company for beers and chat. But I don’t indulge so much these days.

Sounds very sociable. If I go drinking with men I always drink halves to their lints amd even then need the odd lemonade. No way I can keep up.

Sounds great fun! As long as you're enjoying it and aren't in danger then go with it!

What’s the problem here? drinking too much? Just drink less surely

Were you running with the Hash House Harriers? (A drinking club with a running problem)😀

You've got some friends. Enjoy it!

It sounds like a "man" style friendship - you share activities and interests but not really a lot of deep personal talk. Nothing wrong with that.

How do I get to join a drinking gang?!

Although I'd rather add another woman to the mix

I think the dynamic would completely different with more women. It might still be good, but it wouldn't be what this is.