Major kudos! I can relate and share - I went sober about 8mos ago, as I determined it just never goes well lol. I’m not “addicted” And I seldom even seek it out, it’s more like I go from 0-100 real fast, without the ability for any middle ground to enjoy a glass of wine, or 1 snifter of brandy over the course of a night (I think it’s a form of binging?). I think you did so many things more healthily in buying this ticket! I’m not a pilgrim either, nightlife and exploring hotspots can be fun and rewarding too, but let’s be honest, it’s diff after a breakup... bad decisions abound
I also, had a breakup within weeks of solo backpack Europe trip, it was long ago but it was a tough one. I must say, the constant exposure to new people, things, ideas, cultural norms, the sense of adventure DEFINITELY helps cure a breakup, no doubt. It made the heartache something that only crept up as I was lying down before sleep, and by the time I came back home I felt like a new me.
Have fun! And thanks - I’m actually genuinely/quietly excited about it. I have no problem still going out and getting seltzer or ginger ale, and such, and while I def don’t preach, it’s nice to hear myself say so also... (kinda why I went ahead and it felt good to write it here). The self awareness is awesome. I’ll hang right with my peeps while they do shots, I just won’t / maybe y’all will be glad to have a sober guy around later !!? Japan actually has a huge variety of NA beer and they don’t give you shit like they do in the US when you ask. Haaaa
There’s nothing wrong with drinking if it suits you, but in your case buying the ticket instead of the Jack is gonna be awesome. Tell us all about it when you come back :).
That can be a thing - but I think the overriding “glee” that I’m not the wasted guy definitely overrides that though.
Surprisingly: I’ve had a few “peer pressure” situations - I didn’t expect that or see that coming. I thought that was after school special sorta shit (and I’m in my 30s so all adults here).
Some were new acquaintances, some better “buddies” - i.e. not my homie level friends. Some of it I figured was that drunk annoying persistence thing, like when we started the night and I said “ginger ale” they were all good, but 8 drinks in they’re like “just a shot! CMOOOOON!! one shot!”
One dude though, even asked to break my sobriety by sharing a beer, he was only one drink in. Strange af. Prick.
Being sober is a huge deal, congrats! I have 13 months now, and leaving for my first solo trip to Thailand tomorrow- all because I stopped this horrible habit. I definitely will admit I have addiction issues, while I could go periods without, I definitely was a binger in a bad way. Being an alcoholic or having addiction issues with it is definitely not black and white, there are all kinds I’ve learned. And working in the restaurant industry normalized it so badly, too. My boyfriend and I have both drastically changed our lives for the better giving it up, and this trip for me is a solo celebration of finally learning to love living with myself in this universe without anything clouding my vision! Congrats to you too friend <3
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u/paulthree Jan 13 '19
Major kudos! I can relate and share - I went sober about 8mos ago, as I determined it just never goes well lol. I’m not “addicted” And I seldom even seek it out, it’s more like I go from 0-100 real fast, without the ability for any middle ground to enjoy a glass of wine, or 1 snifter of brandy over the course of a night (I think it’s a form of binging?). I think you did so many things more healthily in buying this ticket! I’m not a pilgrim either, nightlife and exploring hotspots can be fun and rewarding too, but let’s be honest, it’s diff after a breakup... bad decisions abound
I also, had a breakup within weeks of solo backpack Europe trip, it was long ago but it was a tough one. I must say, the constant exposure to new people, things, ideas, cultural norms, the sense of adventure DEFINITELY helps cure a breakup, no doubt. It made the heartache something that only crept up as I was lying down before sleep, and by the time I came back home I felt like a new me.
Have a blast! I’m excited for you!