Sober around drinkers

[TeaMyrtle]

I haven’t drunk alcohol for a couple of years. Recently, I’ve found that being around people who are drinking has felt a bit unenjoyable. I sit there smiling and nodding politely while those around me behave in unpredictable ways. I tense up waiting for arguments to start.

I’m fine around people who are having a couple of glasses with dinner or a couple of pints after work. It’s when people are out for the night and drinking to get drunk that I feel out of place.

Yep. I’m not teetotal but often don’t bother drinking/choosing to be designated driver. I just can’t be doing with the hangover/regret etc so prefer not to bother.

it’s fucking boring watching people get pissed.

Ironically that is one of the reasons I ended up with a severe drinking problem myself - I’m so anxious in those situations (alcoholic parents growing up) that my “coping” strategy was to get very drunk quicker than the other drinkers. I’m totally fine when DH is having a beer or wine or with my “one and done” friends - but I’m just not doing the chug drinking sessions any more. It’s both triggering and boring!