This week I went with my co-workers to a small town near Burgos called Orbaneja del Castillo. The place is pure magic, starting from the limestone cliffs in front of the town which make the illusion of two camels kissing, with the negative space between them making the shape of Africa:
A river comes out from a cave, right in the middle of the town:
One of my younger co-workers put on his tasks for the week to "outdrink mark during the company retreat". I turned to him and laughed in earnest. During the retreat he told me he really meant it.
I'm a heavy drinker, but one that doesn't have a problem with alcohol. I simply kept up pace with him until he slurred. People told me I looked completely unaffected. I felt I was talking too much, I was drunk but I have that self-control that only comes with experience. It was a fun match and one that allowed me to indulge in drinking.
There was one dimension in which he did outdo me, which is reasonable considering our ages: the hangover. Even though my hangovers are pretty mild (no headaches but brain fog and body aches), they can't be compared to a guy in his early twenties. But age also makes you carry pain with dignity and he said: you seem unaffected, and I said I was not.
After the retreat I feel more belonging to our pack of invoice workers. They are all really cool guys, especially the two younger ones. Late into the night, with a couple of drinks on 'em, they begun expressing doubts about their worth with women and all that insecurity I myself conceal. I waved their concerns away: "have no doubt, you are very desirable men and very cool guys, I would have no issue introducing you to a family member or a friend, and I think most people who know you would think the same" and the rest of the guys at the table assented in agreement.
As I learn to speak to others I also learn to speak to myself.