I get that! I'm also aiming for moderation, but realised that I needed a period of abstinence - and no defined end date - to get there. I have done it in the past, but always with a determined deadline. Result being that I just got back into old habits because I was aiming more for the deadline and less for the result and long-term vision.
I do miss a good glass of wine or tasty beer with dinner in a restaurant now, but I can only allow myself to do that once I have a clear handle on my alcohol consumption.
It's not easy and it never will be! Experienced that with smoking as well. But it's good to have at least someone to help and be there. That's a good one to get you started and stay motivated. Also small things for yourself can be helpful. For me, it's trying and ranking as much alcohol free beers as possible. Being from Belgium, I love(d) me some special beers. Now that I'm not drinking, it's fun to explore this "new" world and find the best one!
Things suck, especially kicking addictions and habits, but over time the sucking gets manageable.
Yeah, my parents wouldn't know what's AI and what isn't. They're 50+. Not really a surprise, tbh. There's a lot of people whose knowledge of tech is not there at all, sadly. But I try to explain it to them as much as possible, tho!
And then there's my job... organising and basically working 24/7 at a festival from Friday to Sunday. Basically no time for Christmas shopping anymore haaaah
oh yes Maastricht is cosy! make a road trip out of it. that's what me and my gf basically do every summer with our van. you can do a lot in three weeks
So, what's the alternative?