Woman Just Had A Baby And Is Ready For A Drink At Lunch, But Her Friend Is Asking Her Not To Drink

We're back with another AITA post from Reddit, where someone hops on and explains a situation in which they are asking for advice on whether or not they are wrong. Most of the time, this is used to get unbiased opinions and advice on a situation that will help the OP make a decision on how to react or what to do.

We enjoy sharing these posts with all of you because they usually receive a lot of comments, and we can share all of the best ones with you, giving you the full picture of what happened and what people have to say about it. Today, we're going over a story of a woman who is going out with her friends for lunch. She wants to get a mimosa, but her friend is asking her not to.

The friend is asking her not to drink because she won't be able to, so she feels like nobody else should drink either. Once you hear the rest of the details, you'll understand why people are voting the way they are.

Let's dive in and check out the full post and the best comments that were left on it as well.

She starts off by telling us how she just had a baby and has been waiting to go out with friends for a drink.

u/hoginlly

They made plans to get drinks, and OP explains a bit about how difficult it is to make plans as a group.

hoginlly

She wants to drink a little and let loose while she can since having a baby.

hoginlly

The Complexity of Social Expectations

Dr. Michael Johnson, a social psychologist at Yale University, explains that social expectations around drinking, especially for new mothers, can create significant pressure. The societal narrative often suggests that new parents should abstain from certain behaviors, leading to feelings of guilt or shame for wanting to partake in social activities.

Research indicates that these pressures can impact mental health, leading to increased stress and anxiety during a vulnerable period.

She says that this is when a friend asks for it to be "just lunch" and no drinks because she won't be drinking.

hoginlly

OP states that she's not asking her friend to drink but is simply expressing that she still wants to.

hoginlly

Her friend says she won't be having fun, but OP is standing firm in her stance.

hoginlly

Experts in maternal mental health suggest that open communication with friends about expectations can alleviate pressure. New mothers often benefit from supportive social networks that respect their choices without judgment.

Establishing norms within friend groups about alcohol consumption can create a more inclusive environment, allowing mothers to feel comfortable making their own choices.

Her friends are on the fence but would like her to cooperate because their friend asked her to.

hoginlly

The first comment received a lot of love. It states that OP is NTA and that it's worse to drink when someone can't.

zalkaare

This person is confused as to why it's an all-or-nothing group decision and why this friend seems to think she can dictate the group's decision.

StAlvis

Navigating Personal Choices

The decision to drink while parenting can evoke complex emotions. Psychological research shows that balancing personal desires with societal expectations is a common struggle for new parents, often leading to feelings of inadequacy.

Understanding that these feelings are normal can help new mothers navigate their choices more confidently.

OP actually responded to the comment above by saying this. She feels that it's very odd as well and agrees with the comment.

hognilly

This comment was silly, and we just felt we needed something lighthearted in here.

catqueen2001

Simply put, if she wants to have a drink, then she should have a drink. She shouldn't feel bad for that.

Saraqael_Rising

To support new mothers, experts recommend fostering discussions about personal choices and societal pressures within peer groups. Encouraging open dialogues can help normalize various parenting styles and choices, reducing feelings of isolation.

Additionally, setting boundaries with friends regarding discussions about alcohol consumption can help mothers feel respected in their decisions.

OP reiterates that her friend never stopped drinking around her when she was pregnant.

weliketoruinjokes

Pretty much everyone said that OP was NTA, and we have to agree with them on this. It's been quite the story, and we just hope that OP gets to have that drink she's been waiting months to enjoy.

Do you think she should have the drink when she goes out to lunch?

Psychological Analysis

This situation reflects the complexities of balancing personal choices with societal expectations. Supporting new mothers in their decisions can help alleviate feelings of guilt and foster a more inclusive environment where they feel free to express their needs and desires.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Navigating societal pressures as a new mother can be challenging. According to Dr. Alexandra Solomon, relationship therapist, "Open communication about personal choices is crucial for building a supportive environment that alleviates guilt and shame." Creating a supportive network can empower mothers to make decisions that align with their values and comfort levels, as emphasized by Jen Sincero, author and motivational speaker, who states, "When we surround ourselves with supportive people, we can confidently embrace our choices."