I’ve decided to skip my work party this evening. I’m at almost 2 years, but I’m agitated I can’t drink at it. I just don’t enjoy stuff like that sober, and wish I could be one of the ones having fun. I work in a drinking heavy office - like most lawyers do. I also worry about making people uncomfortable. I used to be the one who planned and instigated work parties and happy hours, now I’m the boring sober one. Sorry for the self pity… I’m just still not into holidays sober.

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No one says you have to be into it. You do you. You're free. I used to do lots of things I didn't enjoy that alcohol made tolerable. Now I have my time to do things that I actually enjoy or are worthwhile.

likehelpful

Sometimes we do need to do things for others. Up to you to ask your higher power for guidance on which events are service work and which can be skipped. This one sounds pretty low stakes to me. An important funeral, you might determine you need to suck it up and attend. Enjoy the gym.

Good job identifying that just wasn’t going to work for you. Work parties are something I always feel like I need to attend… then realize quickly that no one will remember if I’m there or not. Just not worth risking your sobriety.

Sounds like you have a free night. Skip the pity party tonight. Call a friend. Go try something new and active… rock climbing gym for a day pass!

Enjoy the night and feel empowered by your strength.

likehelpful

I’m at my ceiling where I am so not going to effect my career. Also stepped out pay wise so nothing to gain from that angle by being social. I just get COLA now.

I also got sober while in a "high alcohol" environment (sales), and I, too, was super anxious about how other people would react to me not drinking. As it turns out, people weren't ever thinking about what I was or wasn't drinking. Over time, I would imagine that you'll find the same.

I agree that you shouldn't go if you aren't yet centered enough in sobriety, and unironically, part of that journey is realizing how little other people think about us.

Once the dust settled, I actually saw that people weren't drinking as heavily as I remember, and there were actually non-drinkers in the bunch that I had never noticed before, for obvious reasons. The only people, personally and professionally, who will react negatively to you not drinking likely have a questionable relationship with alcohol themselves.

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Thanks for this! I do a lot of projecting… and always think my not drinking will make people uncomfortable because I was always uncomfortable if others weren’t drinking… my boss is really amazing and since I’ve quit drinking talks more and more about his own drinking and how he’s been wanting to stop. He’s set several “quit” dates this past year. I don’t say anything to him just listen. He’s really curious about the positive effects it’s had in my life.

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