Not sure what to make of this

[MichaelBurnhamFan]

I’m thinking of giving up alcohol. The one person I’ve told - a friend - is really really anti that and I’m not sure what to make of that.

I was a big drinker in my early 20s (am now early ish 40s)but haven’t been for over 15 years and it was never really a problem. I was at uni, most people were drinking that much. Only looking back I could always manage without it but we’d now consider it unhealthy to drink like that I think.

More of an occasional drinker now. One or two once or twice a month, if that. And a lot of the time I have a soft drink.

I have some disabilities and a medication has been added that isn’t ideal with alcohol. I also don’t enjoy a drink as much as I used to.

When I told my friend she immediately said it was a stupid idea because I don’t have a problem. A month or so later we were out when I ordered lemonade she queried didn’t I want alcohol? And was put out I said no. When I mentioned another day that I’d been out for lunch with my parents for my birthday she was surprised I’d only had one drink.

Today she was really pushing me over the phone to have a few glasses over Christmas, enjoy myself etc.

is this reaction normal when you give up or cut down alcohol?

Yes , some people do act like this. IMO they're the ones who are secretly worried about their own drinking

Your use of alcohol is normal, she sounds desperate and pushy

Some people just can't imagine that life can be enjoyable without alcohol.

I think some people need others to drink to make them feel better about their choice to drink. I never drink either and I don't care how people react. I don't have a taste for it and people don't get to tell me what I should be wanting to eat or drink.

I wouldn't bother discussing it. Just gradually phase it out without too much comment. When she asks say..Oh l wasn't in the mood or something like that.

As other posters have said, the negative reaction from others is usually a form of denial because they are conscious that their own use of alcohol may be problematic.

My partner drinks more than I feel is healthy for her ( a major red flag for me, actually) and she, and her lifelong friend, who definitely has an unhealthy relationship with, and attitude toward, alcohol, both constantly try to encourage me to drink more than I wish to, to "get a bit pissed and let go a little" or stop being a 'fun sponge'. However, my boundaries are firm, I am wary and cautious around alcohol and the people for whom it forms a significant element of their lives. Alcohol stole my mum, and a former partner, who was a secret drinker, ended up in ICU with pancreatitis, was on a drip for a week and nearly died. Alcohol is a cruel mistress and it is my choice, and mine alone, to only ever have an occasional social drink and never over indulge, no matter what others may think.

Stand firm OP, sobriety is one of the wisest and most precious gifts one can give oneself.

Thanks everyone, useful to hear your thoughts.

I must admit her reactions made me begin to wonder if she has a problem (or worries) with alcohol but I didn’t want to put that in my OP and influence any replies.

I think I might not see her as often.

This.
You have to do what’s right for you. Be prepared that some people don’t like it.

Seems illogical as you already are pretty much tee total and she’d know that.