Anyone ever struggle with how to tell other people you are sober in the beginning? I have no problem telling my close friends, but idk how to tell people I'm not super close with. I have been trying to get closer with my extended family, and they invited me to their Christmas. All of my immediate and extended family (and me formerly) are big wine drinkers and I've always drank at family gatherings due to anxiety, but I did it in a sneaky way so no one knows about my problem. I know the only way I'll be able not to drink this time is to tell them all up front that I'm sober now. I really struggled to do that the first time I seriously tried to get sober and that's why I relapsed so I want to do it right this time, I just worry about what they will think if I explain that I'm an alcoholic.
Gotta bite the bullet if you gonna stay sober around family. Nothing to be ashamed of. Should feel proud of what you are doing. Be surprised how understanding others are when told the truth. Most of the time it’s ourselves who think the worse. It’ll be fine.
I've found the only way is honesty. Also, I've said plenty of times "I'm not drinking right now"
But you'll be pleasantly surprised how often people respect the choice of "sobriety". I've found there's much freedom in saying I'm in recovery and owning it.
I feel ya ! I had to tell everyone at the thanksgiving table !! But it went good !! I was embarrassed at first when they asked why I wasn’t drinking!!
If I’m being straight up, you might just pass on that Christmas party. If you are feeling uncomfortable about where you are in your sobriety and how others are going to react, skip it this year. I did things like that early on, because a slip is just too f-ing hard and not worth it. If you stay sober, you are going to get better at it. But you have to stay sober to get there. Pushing your sobriety is never the way.
Hey KK! That’s a tough one. When I’m on my A game and feeling good, I’m very secure with my decision not to drink. I’m comfortable sharing that alcohol doesn’t agree with me, and I feel better when I don’t drink. You don’t need to tell them you are an alcoholic, and you plan on never drinking again. You don’t need to explain yourself. Don’t make a big deal about it. Keep it simple. If you feel like your sobriety will be at risk by being around the family while they are all drinking, then I agree with Shawn. Find an excuse not to be there if you have to. Covid concerns is certainly an easy out this year. If you feel stable, then I believe you can grow from the experience. Remember, we are here for support. Reach out when needed.
Never be embarrassed but your body has allergies to alcohol……
People places & things will make you use so the best thing is if they can’t respect that your not drinking & not do it around you then don’t go is my suggestion
I'm glad it went well!
I think you're right, we always thing it will be worse than it actually us.
I admire that!
That does makes sense
Hi! Thank you. I like the idea of not making a huge deal about it and just saying I'm not drinking anymore, I do have health issues and alcohol def didn't help, so I may be able to just day it's really in my best interest not to anymore and that's the truth. I'm definitely going to make sure I have an out so I can leave early, I do have to drive a bit so at least I can say I don't want to be too sleepy on the road and such.
I know they will respect my decision, thankfully.
Thanks for the support and advice everyone! It means a lot! 
Hi sweetness. Funny thing for me is experience taught me drinking around family wasn't fun for this alcoholic!! My battle begins sometime before and definitely after. Acceptance and honesty and BELIEVING IN YOU and your ability to not drink. I have always relapsed before I "really" relapse! The excuses we give anyone to not drink is always somewhat true. But do we really believe?
Yea definitely it was really hard at first but the more and more time that went by I realized that if somebody wants to judge me for not drinking then is that the kind of friend you really want?
The other thing you can do is just not drink. Have a sprite or a coffee or whatever in your hand and just decline a beverage. “No thank you. I’ll stick with … tonight”