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AIBU?

to pretend to be a recovering alcoholic?

38 replies

OliPolly · 15/04/2011 16:38

I bumped into someone in the city centre today and she invited me out to a girly night out tomorrow. I told her that I would come for the meal only and won't be joining them on the nightclub prawl later. She was with her friend who was surprised that I was saying no to free alcohol at which point I said that I didn't drink.

She seemed really Shock that I don't drink at all and said that there must be something wrong with me Confused I said to her 'I used to be an alcoholic' and it shut her right up!

I know alcoholism is a disease and I wouldn't make light of the situation but I was really annoyed at her ignorance. I did tell her that I was joking and she still found it strange that a 31year old woman has never tasted alcohol.

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NorthernGobshite · 15/04/2011 17:50

Unreasonable? maybe, odd? yes.

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beesimo · 15/04/2011 17:37

Lying is for cowards and cheats grow up and front up lasses.

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Pancakeflipper · 15/04/2011 17:29

I have never drunk coffee either.. And I have lied too...(and there's me dishing out a lecture in earlier posts). I have said it gives me headaches cos I feel like a freak. But I don't think that will get the rumour mill in a spin.

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megapixels · 15/04/2011 17:24

Yeah I guess that is a bit weird Grin. It has a really off-putting smell (to me!) so have never wanted to taste it.

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MoonGirl1981 · 15/04/2011 17:12

I eat pasta sauces.

Just wouldn't sit down and actively eat a whole tomato.

They're weird. Look like something from Casuaty. Especially the ones that come in cans.

Smell awful too!

Don't want to know. Sorry!

xxxx

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OmShantiJacks · 15/04/2011 17:12

Megapixels - you haven't tasted COFFEE???? What is WRONG with you, woman??? :o

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OmShantiJacks · 15/04/2011 17:11

Well, yeah, that's the other thing - you said it to shut this woman up but what if she spreads it around and people really believe it?

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megapixels · 15/04/2011 17:10

Nothing weird about not having tasted alcohol. I haven't tasted coffee, baked beans, pot noodles, well loads of stuff. Alcohol isn't some miracle health juice that you have to taste or else you're missing out :).

But next time just say that you don't drink. If anyone thinks it's weird just smile inwardly at their stupidity and move on.

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Pancakeflipper · 15/04/2011 17:10

Not dint ... Don't .

Ahhh it's Friday... My typing fingers are in weekend mode...

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Pancakeflipper · 15/04/2011 17:09

I dint think I'd like the gossip behind my back to be I am a recovering alcoholic when I am not. Could cause uncomfy issues if that 'info' gets back to others whom you do know like school, work, local community etc ... They'll think you are and hidden it well or think what a ridiculous thing to invent and wonder what other 'lies' you have come up with.

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OliPolly · 15/04/2011 17:08

I am not running away from thread, got take DS to football

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goodegg · 15/04/2011 17:08

Not eating tomatoes is much weirder than not drinking alcohol!

Pizzas? Pasta sauces? I eat tomatoes probably daily Confused

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OmShantiJacks · 15/04/2011 17:07

I just want to clarify - because I think my post above sounds like I'm an up-my-own-arse, holier-than-though cow Blush... when I say "sometimes we just say whatever comes to mind without thinking of the wider ramifications", that this is something I've learned from MN. I've posted about things I've said or thought and have gotten a right royal bollocking for failing to realize that my thoughts/words/deeds affect more than just me.

Ummm, does that make sense? Or did I sound like a twat?

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FutureNannyOgg · 15/04/2011 17:07

YABU, you don't drink, your choice, now lets move on to the next topic.

I don't drink either (well very rarely, but only ever one drink and never to get so much as tipsy, I hate the sensation and it can trigger my migraines), and I do understand, being pregnant was a welcome break.

But lots of people don't drink, for religious reasons, because they don't like the taste, alcoholism in the family, intolerance, whatever, and admitting to being one of these people shouldn't be something to be embarrassed about.

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OliPolly · 15/04/2011 17:05

Ok, I was a bit U.

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Pancakeflipper · 15/04/2011 17:04

YANBU to not drink. But to say you are a recovering alcoholic when you are not is just wrong.

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beesimo · 15/04/2011 17:03

Just be true to yourself Op don't tell lies. I think you were worried being teetotal would make you sound boring and by saying you are a alcholic it somehow made you sound a mysterious/interesting person with a huge amount of 'back story'

Actually there is nothing wrong with being a bit 'boring' there is quite a lot wrong with being a lying fantasist so don't do it again!

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MoonGirl1981 · 15/04/2011 17:03

I don't drink either.

I discovered a while back that friend of mine is an alcoholic (didn't realise for years, is bloody obvious now I've stepped back). This led to him lying to people, overspending and eventually losing his house.

I now can't stand the sight of the stuff.

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wannaBe · 15/04/2011 17:02

it's like cigarettes though, isn't it? Had never tasted a cigarette until last year - it just didn't appeal. Last year I had one drag - it was revolting. Grin Nobody would think it weird to have never tasted a cigarette, so why alcohol?

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CoteDAzur · 15/04/2011 17:01

YABU, especially re "I was really annoyed at her ignorance". Ignorant, how? Hmm

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OmShantiJacks · 15/04/2011 17:00

It takes a lot to get some people to shut up. Personal preference or belief doesn't seem to count with certain members of society (such as choosing, for whatever reason, not to drink).

So for that reason, I don't think you were being unreasonable to say whatever came to mind to get this woman to shut her gob.

But. A tiny part of me thinks that saying you're a recovering alcoholic when you aren't is maybe a bit disrespectful to people who really have struggled to overcome alcoholism?

I don't mean to be critical of you at all, in some situation we just say whatever comes to mind without thinking of the wider ramifications. She left you alone after that, job done.

I was just thinking that maybe for the future, because sadly I'm sure you'll find yourself in this kind of situation again - seeing as people can be oh-so-accepting and non-judgemental about other people's choices Hmm - maybe we can help you come up with another response?

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SkinittingFluffyBunnyBonnets · 15/04/2011 16:58

It's not weird to have never tastd alcohol....I don't drink and it gets right on my nerves when people take it personally!

I just cant hndle it...two glasses of anything and I'm staggering and falling over and sobbing....literally.

YANBU....the silly woman deserved to be lied to!

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JaneS · 15/04/2011 16:57

How odd. I am an alcoholic, who's sober currently, and I hate admitting it. A cynical part of me rather wonders how plausible you'd sound making your 'confession'.

Selfishly, I guess I wish more people just said 'no, I don't drink' and then maybe it'd become more socially acceptable.

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MoonGirl1981 · 15/04/2011 16:55

I know!!

They just don't appeal to me at all!

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ShirleyKnot · 15/04/2011 16:54

Youve never eaten a tomato? Oh my god you total weirdo!

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