A ? for non-drinkers

[KimR]

Yeah, what Scurvy said. And after reading Scurvy's posts on the screaming children thread, I think that might be new motto.

 

[DisneySarah80]

I was at a work party just last night and all they had to offer (other than soda and iced tea) was beer and wine. I don't like either. Wine tastes like moldy grapes, and beer is just nasty stuff! If I drink, it has to be mixed drinks. I said no thanks, I'll have an iced tea. They all knew before this party (boss and co-workers included) that I just don't like the taste of beer or wine because this wasn't our first time out socially together, but they kept asking me to have some wine. FINALLY I gave in, drank about half a glass of the white wine, and then went back to my iced tea. I guess they didn't want me to feel left out? I don't know, I think next time they should offer some vodka and cranberry for the non beer / wine drinkers! lol

 

[Scurvy]

Yeah, what Scurvy said. And after reading Scurvy's posts on the screaming children thread, I think that might be new motto.

Why thank you!

 

[Jennasis]

I don't drink. Sure I have alcoholism in a BIG way in my family, but that itsn't why.

I think all alcohol tastes like sock-sweat.

I've been chided before by other adults for not drinking and I simply tell them that I'd rather be the sober one watching others act like fools (and videotaping it for future blackmail).

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

Here's one for you. I AM a drinker. Well, not like a WHOOOOOOOOOOO-HOOOOOOOOOO drinker every night til I yodel groceries but still. I do enjoy wine and I do enjoy a mixed drink and I like certain high-end beers.

But.

But I never, EVER will drink and drive. Not even a little bit. Not even just after one drink with dinner.


This has led me into the strangest situations ever. Thank goodness I have a strong personality and can handle it but I even got stress from my husband once over it. We had a nice long talk after that and I had to make myself clear, again, why I won't drink and drive.

I honestly think I get almost the same stress as non-drinkers, so I feel for you. If I am the designated driver, guess what? You are getting home safe and sound. I couldn't tell you how many times people have teased me or better yet, ignored me and said that I was kidding.

Well, no, I'm not kidding. If I am driving, no drinkie. If I'm having a drinkie, no drivie!

Many people appreciate that! A very, very serious drunk driving accident almost took the life of my grandpa. My grandma was called to the hospital to say goodbye. Funny, he has never had a drop in his life but a drunk driving accident nearly took his life. Not that anyone who has a drink is a drunk driver, but nothing wrong with being better safe then sorry.

OP, I'm shocked that people would treat you that way. I very rarely drink alcohol and I've never had anyone make any sort of comment except to ask if I'm sure when I turn down a drink they offer me.

It isn't often, but has been happening a bit recently.

I don't drink. Sure I have alcoholism in a BIG way in my family, but that itsn't why.

I think all alcohol tastes like sock-sweat.

I've been chided before by other adults for not drinking and I simply tell them that I'd rather be the sober one watching others act like fools (and videotaping it for future blackmail).

Ha, that's a good line. I always tell my friends I'd rather eat my calories (preferably in the form of dessert) then drink them.

 

[C.Ann]

I'm a non-drinker - as is my Dson-in-law.. His wife (my DD) will have a social drink once in a blue moon, but it's extremely rare - maybe once every couple of years..

No one gives me a hard time.. Most people know that I have lost many members of my family due to the actions of drunk drivers - the youngest victim being my cousin's 5 year old son.. Seeing a 5 yr. old in a coffin is a memory that never goes away.. Watching his heartbroken parents place a flashlight in the coffin with him because he was afraid of the dark.. I was only 13 when he was killed, so I didn't drink as a teen either.. I don't judge people who drink responsibily, but I have zero tolerance for anyone who gets behind the wheel of a car - whether they have had one drink or ten.. Many years later, that same cousin lost her 30 year old son (who was the father of a 2 yr. old DD) due to the actions of a drunk driver who "thought" she was okay to drive.. She only had 2 beers, but because she was such a tiny little thing (weighed around 85 lbs.) and hadn't eaten all day, that was enough to have an impact on her ability to drive and she spent 18 months in jail (away from her own 4 yr. old DD) for involuntary manslaughter..

Dson-in-law has never been the type to "go along with the crowd", so he's never had any issues with people trying to get him to drink.. DD just tells people she doesn't like feeling that she's not totally in "control" - without clouded judgment - and most people accept that.. She and her DH are often the "designated drivers" when they're with people who are drinking.. Neither one of them would ever let someone get behind the wheel of a car after drinking if it was humanly possible to stop them..

I don't understand why anyone would try to pressure someone else into drinking - especially adults.. If someone "needs" to drink in order to enjoy themselves, there's a much deeper problem than simply enjoying an alcoholic beverage.. As for purposely setting out to get totally wasted?? I'll never understand that..

Just continue to politely decline their offerings and sooner or later, they will realize that you really have no desire to drink..