if anybody ever wants to talk about giving up alcohol/beer, I'm around in this thread or DMs. there's not as many of us who don't drink, and it can be tricky in so many ways, but there's no shame in giving it a shot if you are interested or curious. after spending most of my 20s as a music critic, and thinking it was normal/required to drink while out at concerts on a regular basis, I quit about five years ago. I don't miss it. my health is way better. but the transition was really socially awkward at first—not for me, to clarify, as I found myself instantly and surprisingly comfortable without booze. it was other people who had an issue with my choice not to drink, in spite of my willingness to meet and spend time at bars. I even lost some friends, though I've come to realize I am better off without ppl that fickle as part of my friend group.