Alcohol free January

Nobody has denigrated anyone for wanting to give up alcohol for a month, nor has anyone expressed any judgemental attitudes. All that has happened is that some of us have sought elucidation as to why, as thatbags says, that as one only needs to have a dry month if one feels one has drunk too much for a while and since those that do this complain about the negative effects alcohol has on them why do they do it. It strikes me as a quite reasonable question.

Anya, why are you so defensive and uncomfortable with this question? Oh and why won't your reword my query in what you perceive as a non smug way?

I have nothing against anyone having a 'dry month'. Just shouldn't need it in the first place. Wine drinking has become far too 'fashionable'. I suppose it is down to middle class affluence. And social media.

Oi Monica!! I've been judgemental.

well said MaggieMay now can we be a bit more supportive as was the point of this post? Jings I do like the taste of wine, love a cold G and T or Aperol spritzer on a hot summers day ( roll on summer) and I wouldn't drink it if I didnt like the taste. So good luck to all of us who are having a month off, and good luck to those who are not.

Fewer calories than beer though, jingl. And better for you than gin

Can't quite understand why anyone should be spectacular to re-word someone else's post. Bit like one of those questions in primary schools English lessons.

not 'spectacular'. bloody ipad

Can't remember what it should have been now,

I'm off. Biscuits to eat.

Yes a chilled glass or two of Sauvignon or Chablis if I'm treating myself is one of life's pleasures. Ok it's bad for health in the long run, but so are many other enjoyable things. life's for living at the end of the day , why should non drinkers query our resolve to give up something we enjoy for a month? I don't much like chocolate but I wouldn't sneer at someone who gave it up for lent just because I would find it easy. Alcohol is a pleasurable relaxant and I wouldn't want to give it up completely. I did over indulge with the champers on New Year's Eve, but heyho I was in convivial company, we had a huge laugh, I didn't drive or operate machinery, and I have now recovered and I'm on dry day 2. It's back to the gym on Monday as well.

• 82% felt a sense of achievement
• 79% saved money
• 62% had better sleep
• 62% had more energy
• 49% lost weight

The above might just as easily apply to those who give up chocolate or chips for a month. It's probably the sense of achievement that makes the 'giving up' worth it for many people.

No chance, here. Feeling sorry for Grace yesterday who was likewise feeling sorry for herself, I was halfway down a G&T before I remembered "dry January". Might try February and it's a shorter month

I'm sure it is, Ana. I do usually give something up for Lent. And failed miserably when it was cheese. I barely managed a bad-tempered fortnight My name is Maggie and I'm a cheesoholic.

I am one of the dry January gang, I previously introduced a Dry September thread back in 2015. I don't drink excessively but I do enjoy a nice glass of wine with dinner, a glass of rosé on a warm day and and a I do love a gin and tonic with my dh who is a bit of a gin connoisseur

We spend quite a lot of time in France and take a keen interest in the wine growing areas, and, of course, sampling the wines. So, yes, I do enjoy drinking alcohol because I like the taste - I don't get legless, I drink within safe limits but every now and then I like to stop. I like to monitor what I eat as well and having eaten many rich foods in the lead up to and during Christmas - I now find I want to give my system a rest and return to a more simple diet.

At the end of January I hope to have lost a little weight, I hope to be fitter as I will also be stepping up my exercise. I will not be rushing for a drink on 1st February because I am not dependent on alcohol but if I want to drink wine I will.

Since returning to Gransnet last year (after some years away) I have experienced very kind support and I have tried to offer the same to others. I am not confrontational and I would not like to make anyone feel uncomfortable because of their choices or decisions.

I would like to wish everyone following this thread - lots of success - indeed good luck to anyone who is changing any aspect of their lives in order to achieve a better lifestyle.

Vivre et laisser vivre

Thank you, jogginggirl, I'm sure the sentiments expressed in your post will resound with many.

Thanks Joggingirl. I see you as Head Prefect, as you have done it all before and can keep our morale up.

I'm all ready for day 3.

I like the taste of wine. I like a G&T a couple of times a week before s meal. I really enjoy and appreciate a good whisky. I totally support the people who want to give it up for a month but I won't be joining you although I wish you well. I drink to help my current situation, weak though that is. I need a prop now and then to help me through and I make no apologies for it.

Good for you annsixty

I would say 'cheers' but I have finished my two glasses of wine for this evening and I shouldn't have any more
(should have had a G&T before )

Just to add to previous post , H is already in bed. Horses for courses springs to mind.

Good on yer, annsixty - it's your life, never mind what anyone else says!

I always find it difficult to give up anything on 1st January - there is so much food left in the house, Christmas cake, unopened boxes of chocolates etc.
1st February is a much better time!

Annsixty if I was in your situation, which I see from your Profile, I would use alcohol and plenty of it to get me through too.

You see NanKate - you've got the hang of it already ...
First weekend can be tricky and you're nearly there - well done

Couple of glasses going free here rq and annsixty - enjoy

Maggiemaybe "Fewer calories than beer though, jingl. And better for you than gin "

Sorry, but what exactly did you mean by that?

I can assure you I don't drink gin!

Monica - simply take a 'no' as a 'no'. No hidden agenda, no feeling uncomfortable or defensive, quite comfortable in my own skin and that I don't have to jump to your tune and we don't have to justify ourselves to you but as it happens Maggie & JG have said it all. So peace.

Well done NanKate and yes, I've had successful day all round.

Right, jingl, I'll reword it. "Fewer calories than beer, jingl. And better for one than gin".

I don't drink to excess, haven't done for over 20 years because of medication I take to keep RA under control. Pre medication, I didn't drink Monday - Thursday but as I don't have more than one small glass of wine, I have one between 6 and 7 pm most evenings.
Lent is between 10 February and 23 March this year and that's the period when I will (as usual) give up chocolate, biscuits etc. This year I may give up alcohol as well, or at least only drink it at the weekend.

Good luck to everyone who wants to make positive changes in their lives. A new year seems to encourage us to at least consider the possibilities.