I made the decision to be sober for 2020. Nowhere close to an alcoholic. Sober much more nights than not. Just a normal, married 31 year old with no kids. Beer and Gin are my favorite. More of a challenge and an experiment for myself. Don't miss hangovers, shitty sleep or lackluster days after. I fully expect to have a few drinks for New Years 2021. Just hoping to gain a different perspective on things and maybe reel in some quantity here and there in the future. Had my first sober tropical vacation and wedding since I was 18 and I enjoyed them close to the same, just different.
I agree with Randy. There is a depression phase. I miss a cold, good beer with dinner while out. While on vacation, I was two weeks in, i wanted some tropical beer or cold marg real bad. I also miss the "social lubricant" of it in some situations, but I also find that I am having different conversations with different people while out. But, knowing i will not partake, has led to different decisions and an increased pro-activeness in other areas like exercise, outdoor activities and an overall willingness to be up for whatever.
It is so interesting too see how socially ingrained drinking is on our society and every activity while sober. So far, a positive experience overall. My hats off to all who are trying something different. Cheers