The fact that I am doubting why I ever thought giving up alcohol for a period of time was a good idea probably helps prove my point.

It has been three weeks now and while I am not physically climbing the walls for a drink there have been several occasions when my day could have been improved with a tipple.

Last Friday when I finished work the sun was shining and, as I walked to catch a train, hundreds of people seemed to be mocking me as they chinked their glasses and relaxed after work.

People were spilling out onto the streets and enjoying a drop at the end of the working week.

I phoned my brother to take my mind off it. I could hardly hear a word he was saying because while I was heading home, dry as skunk who hasn’t touched a drop in weeks, he was barely audible over the sound of people enjoying themselves in the background.

Selfish little git.

It was the first time since the start of my self-imposed detox that I really felt like I was missing out - on the chat, the fun and the sensation of unwinding that a few beers on a Friday after work can bring on.

Admittedly when I woke up the next day, or rather was woken repeatedly in the night, by the cries of a newborn baby (followed up by the groans of a miffed three-year-old) I was grateful for not having a hangover.

But then, one or two drinks does not really cause too much grief in that department.

My abstinence has been further tested by some lovely gifts in the post – new beers, a mini cask, some cider, a new porter/cider combo, ginger beer, some vodka. It’s all looking at me as if to say ‘what’s wrong with you? We’re your friends, come on’.

Thankfully I have also had some splendid soft drinks to try too.

It’s actually been interesting to see what is out there for teetotallers, detoxers and designated drivers. The range of soft drinks, and natural energy drinks (cheers Gusto) on the market has improved so pubs have no real excuse for just offering orange or fizzy drinks via the gun.

There is certainly choice for people who do not want to have an alcoholic drink in pubs. But the choice of having a drink again is something I am very much looking forward too.

Matt Eley is the editor of Inapub. Follow him on Twitter @mattheweley