In my last post, I wrote about how being sober can make one feel like the odd one out in social settings. Today, I want to share why it doesn’t have to feel that way.
My family spent Thanksgiving at my sister’s house and while I arrived with some apprehension about family dynamics, politics and potential conversations, I left pleasantly surprised and filled with gratitude, turkey and pumpkin pie.
Also consumed that evening were a few non-alcoholic beverages that made it feel like a special occasion. My sister has been sober for almost nine months and she had several bottles of non-alcoholic bubbly and wine from Fre. They were set on the side board with the other bottles of wine, and served in delicate stemmed wine glasses.
At first, concerns of being triggered or wanting to reach for the wrong one, or what my kids would say if they saw me with a wine glass filled my mind. Then I thought, why not? Why shouldn’t I have a pretty bubbly glass of (non-alcoholic) wine on Thanksgiving? The taste was another pleasant surprise, not too sweet and still crisp. And as we ate, I felt no different from the person across from me enjoying her drink.
I feel like, at this stage in the game, I can trust myself to enjoy a fancy sparkly drink, or a mocktail in an elegant glass, because again, why not? It doesn’t make me thirst for the bite of alcohol, or miss the drunken stupor that would inevitably accompany my wine. So on special occasions, why should I deprive myself of something…special?
In fact, the non-alcoholic beverage industry seems to be growing both in quality and variety. There is a company that I want to plug (non-solicited) called Better Rhodes: Non-Alcoholic Marketplace. They are all about making non-alcoholic drinks special and tasty so sober people don’t have to feel deprived. They have non-alcoholic versions of beer, wine and spirits, with all the yummy mixers, tonics and glasses to celebrate the “better road” you have chosen by being alcohol free. I ordered my sister and her husband a gift basket for Christmas, and something for myself as well.
So I came to the conclusion that, ultimately, feeling left out is a choice. And you can have something just as pretty and even tastier, in your glass if you feel like getting fancy and celebrating. The best thing is you’ll wake up the next morning and be so glad you’ve chosen the better road.
Good for you lovely. When I feel like celebrating the sparkling ciders are fun and festive. 💖
Yes, I enjoy sparkling ciders too! Xx
Love this conclusion. So much of what we dwell on is a choice. So often it’s a matter of perspective. Many more blessings!!
Thank you friend. A great reminder. Xx
Sounds like a lovely Thanksgiving and just what was needed! I’ll check out that site! Thanks!
Yes, it was. You should definitely check out Better Rhodes…so much variety! Thanks for reading. Xx
The non alcoholic drinks use to be not very good but recently it’s all changed. Our local store does a gluten free, alcohol free fruit cider. It’s wonderful. Even my son loves it.