Timed ⴵ
"Drinking is fun! It makes me feel horrible and sexy!"
—Warren Ellis, screenwriter and novelist
> how to hug a man | happy hour
Scientists have long known that alcoholism was a life sentence. They say the condition is attributable in large part to genetics.
That means even if we're not drinking, we're in danger.
- "Your addiction is in the parking lot doing pushups," we say in Alcoholics Anonymous.
That's an impressively accurate metaphor.
So is showing up late for work.
Researchers have also long known why tens of millions of Americans regularly drink or are regularly late for work or both. The cause is not carelessness or laziness.
It's the natural construction of our own minds.
Late arrivers and alcoholics are both often living with merciless anxieties and panic attacks.
In my case, as my journalism career grew, I became irrationally petrified of airport security checkpoints. I was equally petrified of anyone finding out.
- I drank so much at airports that a whiskey brand should have sponsored me.
People like me also have low self-control.
One or two drinks at happy hour was never enough. I'd have many more alone back at the hotel or at my house without my colleagues knowing.
- next time "Today's life is measured against that of other years."
- listening okay coleman! "I Want U To Myself"
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Bro hug 💯♡
> how to hug a man | i love you, bryson
It's colossally more difficult for me to get better and stay sober from alcohol when I don't grasp what's happening in my mind and why.
- Blaming it all on god's will was never going to be enough.
- I had to educate myself. I had to investigate for myself the science of addiction and alcoholism.
Once I knew more about the true nature of my relationship with alcohol, then I could lean into the not-so-scientific Alcoholics Anonymous in an unembarrassed way.
At meetings, I try not to hesitate. If it feels nice to hug a hefty contractor named Bryson from Oologah, Oklahoma, I do it.
If it feels nice to tell Bryson I love him and that I pray for him to stay sober, I do it.
If it feels good to show Bryson love and support, I don't feel compelled to find the latest studies on Google Scholar about the science of man hugs first.
I just hug Bryson.
If it feels good, can't that just sometimes be scientific enough?
- next time "Your addiction is in the parking lot doing pushups."
- listening Autolux "Audience No. 2"
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