The support thread (continued) for an alcohol free life. All welcome.

[WendyWagon]

Hello and welcome to the alcohol free support thread. We are a welcoming bunch. These threads were started by @drybird some three years ago.
We are a mixture of sober sisters (and the odd gent) who want to lead a alcohol free life. We chat about everyday things that we use to drink to manage. No question too silly. Someone will have done/thought or been through the same.

Hi, just checking in, 3 weeks today. First night of holiday and I didn't drink! I decanted some Belvoir ginger cordial to bring with me as that with tonic is my go to AF drink and I'ts not common everywhere (I don't like fever tree either @WendyWagon ) my dh doesn't think I'll last the week AF. he drinks but does so moderately. But I've never truly let on how bad I feel through drinking. I'm feeling positive at the moment and I am stubborn enough to enjoy proving him wrong his time.

Wedding anniversary today. In the past, we would have made a cursory nod to something vaguely cultural and then spent the day drinking. DH is struggling to see how we will fill our time. I don't actually want to do anything. I am currently surviving on between 4 and 5 hours sleep because of the heat. I've just been outside and it's already too hot for me today.

Well done on your 3 weeks @Fantasymanfantasyman and on your first AF holiday night! It’s ok if you feel a bit unsettled on holiday sober - you are doing something you haven’t done in years! It does get easier over time. My top tip is to get up at dawn at least once - it is a wonderful gift to be up at that time without a hangover!

@TheOtherHotstepper congrats on the anniversary. Can you cook something lovely and then go on Netflix? I love 'it's complicated' but there is very boozy scene. As my DH wasn't my drinking partner I'm alright with it. Failing that how about buying some his and her fragrance? Something light. Go squirting in Boots. They have no staff so you won't be jumped on!!
@Fantasymanfantasyman order posh mock tails. They always taste boozy to me if someone else does them I think it's the ice.

I have just put the final email in re the bath and body company. Not heard a thing since we caught the founder out re dodgy info. It would be a real shame if she has pulled up the drawbridge but I have been fannying about for over six months.

Morning all. Steady at the bridge here.
I popped to Marks yesterday with the DD who is home on study leave.
The green faux gin and tonics are reduced to 86p.i bought loads. I jolly well hope is not going to be discontinued. These have been my go to as I can't mix the stuff like they do. As you know I even take them out with me. They are very herby but I like green myself. I never drank gin but for some reason this is OK.

Off to the BFF for lunch taking Marks coffee ice cream. Two sleeps to my hair cut. I am thinking about a really short 1920s bob. I need to look cool. If I didn't work I'd have pink hair. Had it at 18, would love it at 57!
Have a good day mes aimies x

I also had pink hair when I was a teenager- had to use household bleach to get the remnants off my scalp. (As an aside I have just finished Jenny Eclair writing on the wall on Audible. The story line is not astounding but I adore her writing. This novel is just brill in its portrayal of being a teenager in the 70s - recommended.)

My hairdresser is off sick and I have lock down hair. I used to have sharp bobs but I find the hair falling against my jaw line less forgiving. I have a jutting chin and strong jaw but there is the inevitable sagging that I am not keen on.

Anyway, I am back from camp. A great long weekend with 50 women just accepting ourselves and each other. No booze!

Day 44. I will catch up later.
Keep going everyone- astounding in our efforts all round.

Anniversary negotiated via the Botanical Gardens and a slap up Chinese meal.

Counselling this morning. Then lunch with a former boss. That won't be an issue.

Just need the washing to finish now. A watched washing machine never spins, as they say.

@stilldumdedumming I love a sharp bob. I do have a bob but it's a bit long and I screw it back, always.
I want something gamie. A bit Annie Lennox or Juliet Binoche. No blow drying. Fudge stuff and go

No idea why the post has a gif!

😂 loving the gif.

I need to check out these M&S faux gins WendyW

Cannot abide real gin, but I find that the AF version of things I didn't used to drink hit the spot. Love an AF beer as I was never a beer drinker.

Morning lads.
I treated myself to two Marks faux gins last night, woo hoo.
It was very hot here but we survived. I have a eucalyptus sheet from the marks. Apparently cooling.
Trying to stop the BFF buying another banger of a sports car. She loves a bit of flash.
I got one tricky phone call out of the way yesterday. It enabled me to sleep better. Three more to go!
The bath and body company purchase has had another twist in the tale,. Current owner has sold all the stock! She now wants us to pay for the brand name and inactive website only! Jesus I swear the woman is mad. However not driven to the drink and I am bloody proud of myself.
I shall try not to link Australian men with bad teeth!

Morning all. Just checking in before the school run / work commute frenzy.

Still here. Still sober.

That’s brilliant @CurtainsForBea ! Good to hear from you.

Im currently trying to taper off the last of my anti-depressants. Not sure I’m doing the right thing, but will stick with it for now. Have had two work evening social events in a row, which I find hard - I used to drink to try to compensate for my social anxiety but that’s not an option now! But I’ve been working hard on being kind to myself about it. Glad to have a quieter few days ahead.

Hello I am still enjoying the lack of alcohol. Big birthday soon and I had even started reading the moderation thread!!!! But it doesn't appeal. I will be 50 days sober at 50. How about that?!!

Haircut tomorrow. A gamie Bob you say @WendyWagon

50 at 50 sounds absolutely amazing @stilldumdedumming

What an empowering way to greet a milestone birthday.

Out to breakfast with @Fortheloveofgodwhy this morning.
I am not doing so well.
I fear my reliance on alcohol will return. Lots of stressful issues have popped up and I am struggling. I am going to find a new therapist or coach. Grief was my downfall last time. 17 months (with a few blips). Now I am feeling why?
Posting as I drink a Marks tinny. I avoided the shops so that's a win.

@WendyWagon I’m so sorry to hear that you are struggling. Don’t beat yourself up about it, it’s only natural. You used alcohol as a crutch previously, so in times of stress, of course your brain will be sending signals that tell you what you really need is a drink.

But you are smarter than that. You know that alcohol is not your friend, and it will just make an already difficult situation really shitty.

I prescribe a ridiculously early night. I hope you feel better tomorrow. We are all standing with you.

An early night sounds like a great idea. Hope I wasn’t too harsh earlier. You’ve come through a lot in the last 17 months and I know you can come through this too. Alcohol lies x

Come on now @WendyWagon

Don't let the wine witch lie to you.

As you've told many a folk here - and genuinely meant it - alcohol is never the solution. Its just another angst, another problem, another thing that weakens us and hurts us.

Keep the faith ❤️

Sorry to hear you’re struggling @WendyWagon . Hang in there - this too shall pass.

@WendyWagon I hope you are asleep now. Genuinely standing with you and whatever you need to get you through in one piece.

Hope you are well and fine this morning @WendyWagon

I echo what everyone else says. alcohol lies and is a sneaky cunning bastard as well.

Morning all.
Thanks for all the support.
I am up having put myself to bed early.
I lied to myself last week when a blip resulted in some secretive behaviour not seen for a year and a half. I don't want to be that person again. I have filtered out the fake friends and the party hangers on. I confessed to @Fortheloveofgodwhy yesterday (and no you weren't too harsh). I need to talk to the husband too. He has been hiding. Time for some honesty.
I am thinner (trousers worn on Tuesday from two years ago!) and look so much better. I can't have a pixie crop with a boozers bloated red face. I am getting old and nearly have high cheekbones! I have been wearing a fabulous Mac summer lipstick in coral. Hopefully after the hair cut today I will feel better.
Lots going on that I can't talk about as others in the family are having a hard time. However the DS is coming back home from London to live with us for a year in August and he is the one who was most effected by my drinking as a child. I don't want to let him or my daughter down.
I need a new job folks, I'm not good playing housewife . The Devil makes work for idle hands!

I hope today sees the ship steer back in course. And job offers come fluttering in sharpish.