brooklynmarieAnybody else having a real hard time socializing? I don't go to parties or bars nor anything indoors at the moment, because, well, pandemic; I do meet up occasionally with friends outdoors. But it has become horribly painful and awkward. I feel old and weird and like I blurt out stupid shit and hold forth on all the boring stuff that's in my head. I have no idea how much this matches the reality, but it sure makes things painful.
I also quit drinking (temporarily? maybe?) for health reasons and that has just shown me exactly how much I depended on alcohol to drown out the social anxiety I didn't realize I was carrying around for so long. I have no idea what to do about it except retreat back to where I've been, behind a screen. If anybody has been through this and come out the other end, I'd love to hear from you. This is a very uncomfortable and awkward way to live.
Finally, I was 42 when this pandemic began; I'll be 46 this year. I feel like those were important transition years between "I'm still young enough to hang out with the younguns" and "oh holy fuck, society has moved on without me." I think fighting disinfo and all that other shit has added to the general feeling of being at right angles to a lot of the rest of society, except for the few (wonderful) people who are just like me and don't mind my awkwardness.
Anyway, I guess I needed to let it out a bit, just a little Saturday morning emo shitposting before this server goes away, as a treat
J. Jacoby (gender explorer)@brooklynmarie I am the same age as you and having the same thoughts. I also don't drink. It's just a personal choice.
This mid/late 40's thing is not very easy for socializing. Add the anxiety over going out to public places and that's where we are.
I hope you're able to get out from behind the screen and find your group.
@jacobyaudio Me too. Yes! It's something I consider my own personal choice too. I was the drunkest person at the party for years; I think I've given alcohol plenty of love in my lifetime. I don't judge drinkers now, though it seems to make some people feel judged. I just wish mocktails were more normalized. I very much identify with this article: https://qz.com/762868/giving-up-alcohol-opened-my-eyes-to-the-infuriating-truth-about-why-women-drink
PedestrianError 
@brooklynmarie @jacobyaudio I do drink, but I’ve been appreciating lately that many of the same independent breweries that offer outdoor beer gardens for safer socializing also have multiple NA options - nitro cold brew coffee, kombucha (with virtually all the alcohol removed), craft sodas &/or NA beer.
@PedestrianError @jacobyaudio This is interesting. I've been looking for just that!
Darwin Woodka@PedestrianError @brooklynmarie @jacobyaudio I LOVE a good outdoor beer garden! We took a trip to Germany last May and it was so comfortable to be there. Lots of health precautions and the huge outdoor beer gardens for drinking and socializing outdoors. It was great.
Mammal Among MammalsHi Marie, I guess you could say I gave up drinking and am on the other side. I have a rich full life including lots of time with dear friends who either don't drink or don't drink around me.
I'm a recovering alcoholic and Alcoholics Anonymous has been a big part of figuring things out and putting together my new life.
#RecoveryPosse has a lot of posts by people who have overcome drinking or other issues through many paths. Good luck.
@jacobyaudio @MammalAmongMammals Thanks very much for this! <3
@brooklynmarie @jacobyaudio of course! Let us know how we can help, that's what a lot of us are here for 🙏💚