I resonated with this a lot, David. Particularly the line āI had nothing to say, or at least nothing I believed was worth saying.ā That was me, exactly. I also drank for social confidence and also to numb my pain. I never made a decision to stop, just to drastically reduce. That did work for me. I think falling over and knocking myself out frightened me enough that I never lost control again. That was 30 years ago. I notice these days at 67, that I like alcohol less and less.š
Thank you, Sue, for reading! It sounds like a very brave step to me that you drastically reduced your alcohol consumption when it had been such an important part of your life. I can relate to that so much. Iām 39 years old, and today I have the feeling for the first time in my life that it might be worth opening my mouth because I also have something valuable to say. But I grew up with very different feelings about myself. I hope you feel great today and that you truly enjoy your time without alcohol.
Fantastic writing David. Your description of social anxiety around people and how alcohol provided a quick fix to bonding with others was spot on. I drank way too much at university for exactly this reason.
Thank you, Valerie, that means a lot. And yes, university was exactly where it all accelerated for me too. Looking back it makes complete sense why so many people drink heavily at that stage of life. New people, new city, no idea who you are yet. Alcohol fills that gap fast. Really glad it resonated with you. <3
David...thank you so much for sharing. I understand and relate to quite a bit of it. There is something so beautiful in this...or maybe it's the way you told it. I wish I could give you a big hug. I look forward to the rest of the story š
This comment made my day, Virginia! Thank you for reading it so carefully and for feeling it the way you did. A virtual hug is very much accepted. The rest of the story is coming next week and I think you will relate to that one too. <3
I resonated with this a lot, David. Particularly the line āI had nothing to say, or at least nothing I believed was worth saying.ā That was me, exactly. I also drank for social confidence and also to numb my pain. I never made a decision to stop, just to drastically reduce. That did work for me. I think falling over and knocking myself out frightened me enough that I never lost control again. That was 30 years ago. I notice these days at 67, that I like alcohol less and less.š
Thank you, Sue, for reading! It sounds like a very brave step to me that you drastically reduced your alcohol consumption when it had been such an important part of your life. I can relate to that so much. Iām 39 years old, and today I have the feeling for the first time in my life that it might be worth opening my mouth because I also have something valuable to say. But I grew up with very different feelings about myself. I hope you feel great today and that you truly enjoy your time without alcohol.
I do feel great, thank you David. I finally found myself š
Fantastic writing David. Your description of social anxiety around people and how alcohol provided a quick fix to bonding with others was spot on. I drank way too much at university for exactly this reason.
Thank you, Valerie, that means a lot. And yes, university was exactly where it all accelerated for me too. Looking back it makes complete sense why so many people drink heavily at that stage of life. New people, new city, no idea who you are yet. Alcohol fills that gap fast. Really glad it resonated with you. <3
David...thank you so much for sharing. I understand and relate to quite a bit of it. There is something so beautiful in this...or maybe it's the way you told it. I wish I could give you a big hug. I look forward to the rest of the story š
This comment made my day, Virginia! Thank you for reading it so carefully and for feeling it the way you did. A virtual hug is very much accepted. The rest of the story is coming next week and I think you will relate to that one too. <3