Thanksgiving

So the family I've got in this area is my wife's.  While they are nice enough, the time I see them is for events like Thanksgiving.  The majority of the 'out laws' down a couple of bottles of wine and generally become much less intelligent versions of themselves (the version I only kind of like in the first place).  After a somewhat disastrous family gathering about ten years ago I no longer drink around them.  Ever.  It is a self imposed discipline that ended up with me realizing how dysfunctional is the entire enterprise and how pointless.

I share that observation with my wife's niece who is a reformed alcoholic.  She and her wife are both non drinkers and we rather enjoy each other's company at one or so events a year.  But the pair will not be at this year's Thanksgiving gathering opting instead for an AA group dinner (to which I'm invited).

Knowing full well that my curmudgeon-ness is only growing over time and my self isolation is maybe not the most intelligent of choices, I never the less elect that isolation over hanging out with drunk family and friends by marriage.  My wife completely understands and is supportive.  So I'm going to be here by myself for Thanksgiving.  And actually pretty happy about it.

Even happier having received the message excerpted  here:  

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