Kyle Richards, a star of 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,' recently celebrated four years of sobriety. The 57-year-old shared her milestone on Instagram, expressing gratitude and reflecting on the decision she made in the summer of 2022.
"This past week marked 4 years since I gave up alcohol," Richards wrote. "I didn't think I'd be here 4 years later sharing that I still haven't drank. But I'm happy and proud that I can say that."
Richards explained that her decision stemmed from a desire to "look and feel better" during a period when she was not feeling her best physically or mentally. She noted that while her drinking persona was perceived as fun by others, her choice to stop drinking was not always met with the same enthusiasm. "People loved when I drank. I was fun! That meant people didn't love when I stopped," she stated, adding that she did not let others' reactions deter her.
She found that many who had an issue with her choice were more focused on how it affected them. An unexpected benefit of abstaining from alcohol, she shared, was a newfound calmness, even amidst challenging times. This period coincided with her separation from ex-husband Mauricio Umansky after 27 years of marriage in 2023. "Something shifts in you even if you aren't a big drinker. Things that would normally make me feel anxious, I now faced with an unfamiliar calmness. Looking healthier was just a bonus. For me, it's been all upside," Richards said.
Richards also addressed navigating relationships with friends who continue to drink. She advised those considering sobriety not to be discouraged by others who might want them to drink for their own entertainment, including well-meaning friends. She emphasized respect for differing choices, noting that many of her friends have no desire to give up alcohol, and they, in turn, respect her decision.
To manage social situations, Richards has opted for non-alcoholic sparkling wines and beers. She stated that these alternatives help minimize questions about her not drinking and reduce the feeling of missing out. "I have plenty of friends who have no desire to give up alcohol. I totally respect that and they respect me."
Her announcement garnered positive reactions from peers and followers. Bravo executive Andy Cohen offered a series of clapping emojis in the comments, while fellow 'Real Housewife' Teddi Mellencamp posted a heart emoji. Other fans congratulated Richards on her achievement and expressed how her journey has inspired them.
Richards concluded by focusing on the positive feeling of not drinking rather than short-term party enjoyment followed by negative after-effects. "She kept her focus on 'how good' she felt by not drinking, rather 'than having fun for a few hours at a party followed by "alcohol doom" the next day,'" the report stated.
