Times have changed a wee bit when it comes to St. Patrick’s Day. For instance, if you wear a “Kiss Me I’m Irish” pin to work in 2023, you go from Top o’ the Mornin’ to Back o’ the Unemployment Line.

But beginning with Dry January, it seems like more people are making a conscious effort not to drink, at least for a little while. The goal for a few of my friends is to last until summer, but there it is: St. Patrick’s Day.

It's the iceberg that sinks many a U.S.S. Sobriety. Why do they always put it right in the middle of Lent?

I don’t drink, and haven’t since my first sip at a wedding when I was 16. There were no regrettable incidents or disasters; instead, I became ill that summer and that second “first sip of beer” would have to wait.

In my 20s, when I was given the all clear, I decided…no. I’d gotten that far without it, never felt left out, and had seen the…interesting effects it had on my peers.

I already screw up enough, I figured. Why pay to make it worse?

A common misconception when you’re sober is that you don’t like St. Patrick’s Day. Hogwash. How can one enjoy and live in New England while hating St. Patrick’s Day?

That’s like living in New York City and liking winning basketball teams.

I love it. And as one who doesn’t imbibe, I get to remember loving it. There are actually plenty of ways to live St. Patty’s to the fullest while staying on track with your goal or resolution.

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