And then he said, "I've given into the notion that I am going to drink on New Years.""Okay," I said. "You've talked about your commitments to limit alcohol. So, what do you make that mean? The drinking on New Years."
"Well, it means I won't have to let everyone know that I struggle with drinking."
"Not buying it."
"What?"
"I'm not buying it. I don't think this is about you not wanting people to know you struggle with drinking. What are you really making it mean?"
"Hmm. Well, it's my job to make sure everyone has a good time. So, in a sense it means I'm doing my job."
"What do you think of people that don't do their job?"
"Losers."
"Ah. So you're a loser if you don't drink on New Years. It sounds like that's what you make it mean. It also sounds like you believe no one will have a good time if you're not drinking. Is that a responsibility you want to take on?"
"Hmm. And, no. Thanks."
"My pleasure. What's your plan?"
"To take responsibilty for me on New Years, and not everyone else. I may drink, but it will be because I want to. And, only because I want to and choose to. I will weigh that choice against my other commitments."
Cool. Happy New Year.
