5pm. “Wine time”. A phrase my folks used and one I adopted with ease in my adulthood. On holiday, we’d say “it’s 5 o’clock somewhere in the world” and proceed merrily onto something fizzy with fruit in it at whatever time the mood took us.

Months ago, I decided to abstain from alcohol for 30 days. I figured a little break for my liver was a good thing but I wasn’t attempting to change a habit at that point. After the 30 days finished, I found it easy to wait until 8pm or 9pm before pouring a glass of wine but over the months, the time gradually crept earlier and earlier until I was back to 5pm.

Tonight, 5pm rolled around and I found myself glancing at the clock repeatedly but after about 5.30pm, that ‘itchy’ feeling left me and I knew I was through the danger zone for the night.

Hurrah!

I can trot off and read my daughter a bed time story without wondering what my breath smells like. It’s a nice feeling.