Yesterday and today have been interesting occasions to see how social pressure works in diverse social systems: It is a habit of my family to drink on Christmas. So I was asked and urged to have a sip of alcohol.

I wouldn’t find it peculiar, weren’t it for the fact that my wife endorses me to not drink alcohol or reduce it to a minimum wherever possible, but it seems problematic for her if I don’t drink at all.

I just realized the pressure that stands behind such a behavior: We have always done it that way and it is a custom to toast with alcohol at different occasions.

For the moment, I could maintain my sobriety, because I toasted with my family but didn’t sip or drink.

The problem here is, it will be a necessity to be open and transparent that I won’t drink no alcohol whatsoever.

This is going to be some work and a process to get through, but in the end it will be worth it, firstly to be true and not faking anything once again and secondly it will be the only chance to stay sober and stable.