DEAR ABBY: I'm a recovering alcoholic who loves to entertain. The letter from the woman in Tucson who abstains from coffee, tea and alcohol for religious reasons struck a chord with me. Like her, I'm comfortable dining out with people who order drinks, but shopping for liquor or keeping it around the house would present too great a temptation. I've found a couple of solutions.
One is to invite people for brunch instead of dinner. When offered an assortment of herb teas or fruit juices, no one clamors for a Bloody Mary. Another is to let guests bring whatever they want to drink. Here in the Midwest, no one accepts a dinner invitation without asking, "What can I bring?" I reply, "If you'd like wine or beer, bring it along." Then I make sure they take home the leftovers.
In the winter, I've found that hot cider or hot chocolate is always welcomed; freshly squeezed lemonade draws raves in the summer.
If friends can't enjoy a few hours with you without drinking, they need to take a long, hard look at their own alcohol use. I know -- I've been there!
I didn't think I could have a social life in sobriety, but I was wrong. Now I enjoy the parties I give much more, and I don't have to face the cleanup while coping with a hangover.
Since I'm in AA, just sign me ... SUE IN WISCONSIN
DEAR SUE: Congratulations on your sobriety, and thanks for a helpful letter.