Opinions are like _______, everyone has one. Yep.  All of us, about most things, have an opinion. Shaped by perception (yes this word again) and past experiences, we view raw data and spin baby spin … the whirlwind begins.  Opinionated information streams, whether disclosed or no, flavor our relations with others and selves.  What evidence do I have to support this opinion eh?

Okay … enough of the babble. Real reason I’m thinking and henceforth writing about this topic of opinions, is that I got asked out on a date. Yes. I know inconceivable. *eye roll* What’s even MORE odd is that it was by a “normie” (oh how I loathe that word).  But what’s so different about this instance (yes this isn’t the first time i’ve been asked out – shushit)  is that he asked me to go drinking of all things.  Obviously he doesn’t know me well. Most know I’m the non drinker anonymous meeting attender type.  I don’t spout it or carry a banner, the folks at work are all on facebook. (hahaha)

Now the reason why this tickles my fancy is that first of all I said “I don’t drink.” and then walked away.  No cringing explanations, uncomfortable silences, or weird excuses. Simply a statement of fact. Talk about an internalization of recovery behaviors.  Even my inner critic was impressed.  So, as he followed me, being the sort who apparently digs the chase, he continued to pound me (not in the great sex sorta way either) about “everyone needs to blow off steam, come and have a drink with me”.   As I flipped the blonde hair around, stopped dead in my tracks, and eyeballed him … he seemed to shrink in stature.  Needling and whiny never gets me purring.

A recovering alcoholic in love with life and recovery and all the good that it brings, I was.  At least for that moment in time.  And I said with one raised eyebrow, “I (long pause) am a recovering alcoholic. I do NOT drink. I don’t WANT to have a drink with you. Got it?”  Then simply turned and walked away. I heard him under his breath say “bitch” and I thought … damn skippy babycakes.

Now this long convoluted story leads me to the opinion aspect of it all. It was simply amazing to me that someone else’s opinion didn’t dictate my own.  You know the excuse making, semi-embarrassment that we’ve had, okay I’ve had, when telling someone I’m a drunk in recovery.  And almost just as important … I didn’t have to like a guy back just because he liked me. Some of you know EXACTLY what I’m talking about here … the “unable to say no show” aka “I don’t wanna hurt their feelings”. bleck.

Behaviors are a benchmark of healthiness, what I do instinctively means I’ve learned a new way of being. Internalized years of writing and steps and doing the work, for just this moment. Not reacting, not posing, not “a show” … but recovery in action. Innate. Perhaps some of the so called “promises” coming true? My whole attitude and outlook has changed. Having some pretty good evidence to support that all the way deep down inside, I dig my recovery; and I smiled for the rest of the day.