Tonight I was reminded of an occassion that defined for me why I rarely, if ever, socialize with people I work with. Aside from the obvious potential pitfalls, I have my own as a non-drinker.
And its a dousey for me.
I used to be very uncomfortable around highly intoxicated people. After a certain point I still am, but I've found an equilibrium for those environments in recent years. One hangover (pun intended) from those times is that I tend to judge people differently in those environs.
When I see coworkers all glassy eyed and stupid, I don't separate that impression from the one I need to work with very well. I'm never gonna high five someone in honor of how pissed they got, because I've never held it as a thing to value. Its simply never been a goal of mine or an achievement worthy of any sort of admiration.
So by extension of this I take it back to work with me, and it takes a while to wash away. I assume it takes a lot longer for me than for most people. Furthermore I assume that it is because I lack that sympathetic connection.
I've taken a much softer line than in years past, it does still affect me.
I'm not naive enough to think that if I don't see it happen then it doesn't exist. But its ethereal when you only hear about it. Just like skydiving may seem dangerous, or seem fun - the mythical elements of it can never be washed away completely until you find yourself 14,000 feet up with nothing but O2, CO2, N2 and a few trace elements between you and the planet.
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1 comment:
I don't think anyone can blame you for feeling this way, Pete. I think most people would agree that no one really enjoys being the sober one while everyone else is drinking. I think most people have been there at one time or another and I can say for sure it's not fun. Whether it's a "dousey" (pun intended?) or not, I'm not sure, but I would say it's certainly a doozy. :P
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