To me...this is peer pressure at its worst.

You remain being a leader....There may be people around you that you either are aware of or not even aware of that are envious of your strength to not drink.

They may have a problem and be trying to sabotage your sobriety.

That taxi driver may feel that way....about donating organs...but everyone does not feel that way.

You are going to be sensitive to topics surrounding alcohol at this point..just realize that you are sensitive...sometimes choosing to say nothing or change the subject is better for our insides and anxiety.

Next time someone tells you you are "boring" for not drinking...I would say..(for me)....that for me...drinking is unhealthy and to me being boring is better than being dead.

You may not realize it...but I am willing to bet you are a role model for SOMEONE in your social circle.

In my sobriety I was so weak...when I first got sober...sensitive...etc. Then I had a couple people tell me that they looked up to me....that they knew if I could do it they could too.

You know for yourself...alcohol is not any benefit to your life.

Please find the "pride" in yourself that you have accomplished fighting this demon...even with the peer pressure...Hold your head high....my boyfriend says...its always the people who are willing to be different and do the right things that find the most happiness and success in their lives.

There were kids on their bikes in the hot weather the other day that came by while my b/f was spraying the lawn....3 out of 5 kids on those bikes - ages about 12-14....had helmets on....I assume the ones that had helmets...were in the lesser age range...I assume they have had their chops busted for wearing helmets.....but guess what...they are protecting themselves.

All of the kids asked to be sprayed by the hose. My b/f commented that he was only spraying the ones that were wearing helmets to protect their brains (and he only sprayed those kids).....SEE...they finally got their reward for doing the right thing.

Stand your ground...be proud that you are doing what is RIGHT for your body. The rewards will come.

Don't let words bother you!!!

I would rather be boring and alive instead of drunk and dead, or living with some kind of deadly disease caused by the drinking such as sirosis or hepititus er something where you are throwing up blood every other day!

You don't have to please anyone but yourself. I know that sounds selfish but anyone who would encourage someone to do something that would injure them in some way, is someone who disrespects life and happiness!

Don't let them get to ya! You are the better person who makes the better decisions. You win for yourself by Ignoring people like that!

Good luck!

Hearing stuff like that bothers me too sometimes. It's not always so easy to let stuff like that go. Try not to worry about pleasing others. Make yourself happy :)

Hello Joet2218,

You have started out on a journey of self-discovery that can take you to great places. Along the way you will meet many people who are ignorant either by choice or through no fault of their own. It is likely that you will also suffer some setbacks and failures on your journey as that is how life works. You are reacting now in the way that most people would react but if you keep an open mind (and open ears) you may discover a whole new outlook on life.

I know these things from my own negative experiences, my own setbacks, my own failures and finally my own triumph over some of those things. Many lessons had to be learned and no doubt there are more to be learned but each obstruction that was overcome was a step towards peace of mind and serenity. I have learned that there will always be people who do not understand but that it is not my job to teach them. There is not one person out there who I can change but I can try to change me. Neither can I please other people or make them happy as they must do that for themselves.

I had to do something to get from the bad place where I was to the better place where I am now. It meant going to meetings, getting a sponsor and learning from someone who had travelled the road before. Maybe something similar would work for you. Although you cannot change the world or the people in it, it is possible to accept things as they are and to react in a way that does not disturb your peace of mind.

Once heard the expression 'you can not put brains in monuments'.

It is these two who have the problem not you, you are living in the solution not the mess.

Is it possible these two are concerned with their drinking and these comments are how they hide their truth??

You are doing well and you are fighting a good fight, stay strong in your belief and to hell with the monuments.

Good luck G8

First off, great job on 36 days sober -- a wonderful accomplishment! You don't need to worry about pleasing other people. This is about what's best for you.

In my first few months I felt like a raw nerve at times. it's a big adjustment and sometimes people say things that can just get under your skin.

Try not to let other's comments bother you too much, but if they do, this is a great place to vent about it.

Good work on over a month. Awesome.
People say stupid things. When I was pregnant with twins I couldn't believe how people would weigh in....saying things like "oh poor you" - um helpful?
Ditto when I had them early people I didn't know would give me their pearls of "wisdom." Same thing on any human topic from diets to pregnancy to alcoholism.
Focus on yourself and let them just be....

Hugs