Like I always say, I hate to be the person who shares the sad news but fails to update you when something pleasant happens. I got some amazing feedback on this post. Not only that, but I was faced with another situation worth sharing.
A friend calls me to invite me to dinner at her house and actually asked , "Yasmine, we would be serving some wine, would you mind?". And I thought nobody asks any more, but she's a darling anyway; one of the most understanding and accepting people I met. I was put in the cross road again, say no and I'll sit there blaming myself, say yes and they'll be thinking I judge them or their lifestyle. And boy was I wrong.
I thought about it a little then got back to her, apologizing for that evening while trying to explain that it was about my rules and restrictions versus their lifestyle which I understand and respect. She was not only accepting, but understanding . We discussed different restrictions people have and how they tolerate others doing them in their presence. Like , my friend herself is a vegetarian, but she's ok with people eating animal products in her presence. I know two Hindu's, one is ok with Beef when she's around and the other has a clear "no beef in my presence". I'm fine with both and they're fine with the "no alcohol when i'm around" too.
The conversation went through several topics then we hung up agreeing that I won't attend this dinner to leave other invitee's at ease and not to bother anyone, while scheduling another less public dinner where that glass of wine can be skipped without annoying anyone.
The point being, some people do care to ask. Some *might* prefer my company to alcohol. Some may go as far as understanding. It's just about choosing the right people to hang out with, that's all!
P.S, thanks to L & A for being so amazing
Comments
yes they do! Isn't it great! To have people not only accept , but also celebrate the difference!