David Boyle's Guide to Sober Friendships and Social Survival
All my relationships with my friends were built on getting fucked up. We don't get to see each other very often. Maybe we'll see each other like six or seven more times in our lives. That's just one of the things you've given up by being a fuck-up, unfortunately. A lot of your friends fucking will disappear completely.
Ever found yourself wondering how to hang out with old friends without falling back into old drinking habits? In this episode of 'I'm Quitting Alcohol', comedian David Boyle, who’s been sober for over three years, tackles this exact dilemma. Boyle doesn’t sugarcoat the reality—many friendships built on drinking may not survive sobriety.
He shares a raw and honest response to a listener from Germany who asked, 'How do I hang out with my old friend without getting messed up?' Boyle’s reply is as straightforward as it gets: 'A lot of your friends will disappear completely. That’s just one of the things you’ve given up by being a mess-up, unfortunately.' It might sound harsh, but Boyle's message is clear: prioritizing sobriety sometimes means letting go of certain relationships.
However, he also offers practical advice for navigating social situations without alcohol. Boyle suggests remembering the benefits of sobriety and having a support system in place. He reassures listeners that the urge to drink with old friends fades over time, and staying sober during one outing can make future interactions easier. His candid reflections provide a unique perspective on the challenges of maintaining sobriety in a world that often revolves around alcohol.
If you’re struggling with staying sober in social settings, this episode is a must-listen. Boyle’s insights are both sobering and encouraging, reminding us that while the journey isn’t easy, it’s definitely worth it.