- By Matthew P. Binkewicz
- Around Town
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Ask IMOAsk IMOLansing's Advice Column
Dear IMO,
My wife and I have been invited to dinner at our friend’s home. Our friend is a recovering alcoholic, but told us to bring along wine if we wanted a drink with our meal. Although we enjoy a drink with dinner, we are concerned about bringing alcohol to our friend’s home. What do you think we should do?
Wondering,
Phil
Your friend is very kind to extend an invitation to dinner, and most likely, the offer to bring an alcoholic beverage, stems from the same kindness. No doubt, your friend knows you enjoy a drink with dinner and hopes the suggestion may ease any unexpected tension during dinner. For example one of you might say, “Boy, if I only had a nice glass of Pinot Noir with this T-Bone I would. . . Ooops!” You can fill in the rest of the conversation as you turn the color of your wine and sink below the table wishing you had never mentioned the subject.
Your friend is and always will be in recovery. He/she struggles each day to gain an upper hand on the disease. Like any addict, the road to recovery and staying clean requires patience, perseverance, and self control. The last thing your friend needs is the bottle on the table within arm’s reach not to mention the glow on your faces as you swirl the glass and drink deeply enjoying every drop. If I were your friend and watched you, it would be all over. Yes, in public your friend may have to endure others enjoying alcohol, but in his/her own home, freedom from temptation is one step closer to staying on the wagon.
Your friend needs your support, friendship, and bottle of sparkling cider. Tell him/her thanks, but you and your wife enjoy a healthy friend more than a glass of wine.
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