Coffee, is it?

“Coffee? Are you sure, Michael?”

"I've given up drinking, Sémí!" I said, as I squirmed in my chair. Sémí looked at me and was shocked. “Sick, is it? Are you sick?”

"You could say that, my friend," I said. You'd think it was a crime. It bothered me that I had to defend myself every time I refused an alcoholic drink.

"You look good, Michael, it's hard to believe there's a health problem involved." He raised his eyebrows questioningly, and stared at me.

"Don't bother with that now, Sémí, don't we have other more important things to discuss and the world's major problems to solve! I put my hand up, and called out to Big Butt: "We're ready, Thomas!" Big Butt started running towards us.

"A pint of porter and a cup of coffee, please," I said, trying to prevent any other problems.

“Do you think I'm a fool? You were checking to see if I was awake, weren't you?” He winked at us, and stood there waiting for my answer.

“Thomas, I need coffee. Do you understand – coffee?” I was angry now.

"Don't worry Michael, I was only joking!" said Big Butt and he was very surprised at how he had angered me. “Coffee and pint coming!”

“Michael, don't go overboard there – I was only joking too! Sorry about that!” Séimí was taken aback too.

It was a Saturday afternoon in February, and although it was quite cold outside, the sun was shining and people were strolling around the city. We were sitting inside by the window in the Smugairle Róin in the center of the city, perched on our seats' people watching'. When I was looking out at the world like this, it gave me a new perspective, and I realized that I felt that I was under a kind of attack and therefore, overreaccting. Although I was not directly under attack, at the same time, there was cultural conformism involved and I was swimming against established social norms. It's not easy to do something like this, but it's not worth lying or getting angry. I had better be honest, and I had better keep control of myself.

I took a deep breath, and gathered my thoughts. "Sémí, it was an excuse earlier, when I said that the reason I wasn't drinking alcohol was because of a health problem. I thought it would be easier to refuse a drink that way." I stopped and took another deep breath.

“Coffee and a pint, guys!” announced Big Butt and him back again! Enjoy them!” He took off at a blazing speed as others beckoned him.

“I'm a little embarrassed to share the real reason with you, Sémí. But I'm too heavy and want to lose some weight – so although this is a health risk, I'm not sick, per se! I stopped drinking completely at the beginning of the year, and I feel better and I've also been losing weight for a while. Why wouldn't I continue with this strategy that is working well for me, Sémí?" I was nervous that Sémí would give me the cold shoulder.

“Michael – forgive me for what I said. I didn't mean to pressure you. At first, I was joking, but when you said you had a health problem, I became worried about you. I asked you about your health, not to pressure you but because I was worried about you, Michael. I'm so relieved you're all right, son! My advice to you is to have a thick skin and don't mind the slagging! Now – to your health!” said Sémí as he tipped his glass.

"Cheers, my friend!" I replied, and I was much more comfortable now. I was glad we had that difficult conversation, and I learned a lot because of it. The most important thing I learned was: Do what's best for you, regardless of what anyone says!

Before he left, Sémí had one more thing to say. "You are setting a good example, Michael! Maybe I'll have a cup of coffee myself next time!” He wasn't kidding this time!

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