Excuses

This year for Lent, I gave up caffeine and alcohol. I gave them up for a few reasons. When I gave up alcohol, I knew I would have some awkward social situations (but have thus far avoided them). I hadn't really thought about the giving up of caffeine. Saturday, a lady next to me at the knitting group ordered a cappuccino. It smelled sooo good and made me want one. But, I couldn't have one. At lunch one day, I was talking about how difficult it has been to give up caffeine even though I don't drink that much of it anyway. One mate commented that you are supposed to give up nice things for Lent.

Recently, I went into the staff room to let people know I was leaving. Someone came up to me and asked if we could have a chat. I said I had a couple minutes as I had a taxi waiting. He then asked if I wanted coffee. I said, no I was fine. He then asked if I wanted tea. I said no again. He looked a bit uncomfortable. I then said I gave up caffeine for Lent. He smiled and said that they had water. I assured him that I was fine and we found an empty room and had a quick chat.

I couldn't help wondering how the interaction would have gone if I had told him I just don't drink caffeine. Tea is such a staple in the Irish diet. Not drinking it or coffee is seen as very strange. Some mates even tease me that I drink herbal or green tea instead of the black tea provided by work.

I also wonder how it will be when I am in a situation where I would normally drink. We have gone to a couple pubs since Lent began but the people with me knew that I had given up alcohol. The waitresses have given me a few looks but I can handle that.