Oh, You’re Sober? Are You Okay?

I have been thinking a lot lately about how alcohol has found its way into every crevice of society.

Last night, I talked to a lovely guy who admitted to me that he can’t attend a social event or spend time in a group unless he is drinking. It didn’t take long for my partner to pipe up, “Jesse can hold a full-on conversation absolutely sober, but I can’t!” I found it a pretty profound statement, especially that he so readily admitted it. What does this say about us as people?

I was genuinely surprised. I don’t drink, but it hasn’t been that long since I had my last poisonous sip. I can’t quite remember if alcohol was a social lubricant for me or if it was something I did for the sheer buzz of it. It got me thinking.

In my line of work as a counselor and a self-help writer, I speak to a lot of people about the stresses and turmoil of life. And while I cannot divulge what gets discussed in my sessions, I can tell you this; alcohol comes up in nearly every conversation I have. That in itself is both sad and profound. Not only has alcohol found a way into my social life, but it’s also part of my work life.

Last night, I watched as everyone around me was imbibing, and it impacted my thought process. I couldn’t help but think to myself, what a bunch of Robins! If you don’t already know, the African Robin is a bird that…