For those of you that DON'T DRINK

If i dont drink i am capable

 

Not drinking will put you ahead in just about any situation you are in

 

Apart from a drinking contest

 

Ryan you are right here, me and Collette take it in turns to drive when we go out with friends, when it is my turn to drive i feel as though i am an outsider or not part of the group, i cant seem to join in or laugh at the same things, i look at some of my friends who have had a few and think what a prat, yet i will be doing the same thing tomorrow, plus i get the feeling that people think i am strange or there is something wrong with me just because i can walk to our car and drive home.

 

Not really. While I do drink but only drink once or twice a month, but limit it to when I'm in the mood for it, not just when everyone else is doing it.

At most places, there are other things, such as root beer or coffee, or even sprite or water in a small glass that appears to be a drink from someone who didn't hear you order it.

 

I don't drink, but in the rare occasion if someone important is very insistant and its seems they are getting annoyed i will order a drink take a sip and not drink the rest. But seems to me everyone is ok once you have a drink in-front of you no one really cares if you drink it or not.

 

The deal is not usually made during the drinking time, Most of that is just Bull-sh*ting. The deal will be made after and the sober person being sharper stands a better chance. I learned this after attending many trade shows over the years, Plus learned hookers hurt also

 

I do sometimes drink if im with some mates at someones house and sleeping but not if im going out somewhere as i prefer to drive(i go insane in the passenger seat) i cant stand beer so its easier/cheaper to only drink coke. My experience is that most people love the fact they can drink as much as they want as they dont have to drive

 

--What happens at the company X mas party when everyone is drinking?

I drink a diet soda.

--How about if you are having lunch with important client, and he offers a drink?

You just politely say, "no thanks, I don't drink." Gentle but asserted.

--Other business/social activities that might require drinking with the President of the company and such.

Diet coke, root beer, sometimes water.

--I would venture to say that not drinking with friends is probably easier, since they won't understand.

I've found that friends who see you are making a personal choice will not push drinks on you. In fact, in high school, I went to plenty of parties, and my friends (who were mostly wasted themselves) were vehemently defensive of me and would go so far as to say 'no' to offerors for me, or tell the host right as we walked in something like, "RYan wOON't be dRinkinG!..."

Real friends will not pressure you. People who don't have your interests in mind (ie. not "friends" will continue to pressure); I tend to leave their presence ASAP.

--Do you ever feel pressured or looked down upon in your business/work for not participating?

Nope. Not that I can tell. Just don't be self righteous about it and never back down from your position and people will respect you 100 times more after the fact for sticking to your guns.

 

Or a pissing contest

I always had to pay extra for that....

 

--What happens at the company X mas party when everyone is drinking?

i usually have a glass of cola or Sprite. As long as you have something liquid in your hand...


--How about if you are having lunch with important client, and he offers a drink?

Have said anything from recent medicine so should not drink or that i am allergic...


--Other business/social activities that might require drinking with the President of the company and such.

See answer to first question


--I would venture to say that not drinking with friends is probably easier, since they won't understand.

My friends fully understand. Besides, if they want a ride in the Fcar you KNOW they hope i am fully sober


--Do you ever feel pressured or looked down upon in your business/work for not participating?

Nope. If someone is overly pressuring you to drink, i have a feeling they are the ones with a problem. Why fall into their 'trap?'

PS: have not had alcohol/drugs in over 16+ years. Don't miss it at all and yet have cases of carefully chosen various vintages/types for friends/parties.

 

Plain and simple and it's been trued and tried by me, tell them you don't drink. Be straight up and don't back down. Don't take any sips or whatever. Just be honest and they will respect your stance. I do it all the time.

 

Why should that bother you? I don't drink cause I don't want to and could care less what others think

 

In that case, since we are obvious friends, i tell them i had a problem years ago and decided it is best to no longer drink. Then i offer them a very fine aged cigar... That works

My 'excuses' were not a 'hard and fast' rule. Many times i simply say i do not drink, though (as an example) when as a guest of certain Asian companies one may desire to find an appropriate answer that 'saves face' for everyone without further complication.

Within my industry quite a few people know i do not drink, and the same goes for Fchatters. In fact during my Fchat parties there are many alcoholic beverages offered (in sane quantity as they will be driving home) and a few of the Fchatters have given me wine/whisky/etc as a gift. Am ALWAYS grateful as it is THE GESTURE of a gift that is truly appreciated. They need not know my situation, nor feel awkward due to their generous gift. In fact their generous gift is usually great for the current, or future entertaining.

Over the years i guess one learns to understand the situation and (hopefully) provide the best solution. It is not a 'problem', it is a 'life choice.'

Besides, it would be ILL ADVISED to drive (especially an Fcar) at speed with anything less than 100% attention!!!!!!!!

 

i am not a drinker..... i am a drunk

 

Sadly, some take people who don't drink as recovering alcoholics, ergo "weak". Patients told me stuff like this even way back in evil med school.
Oh well. I drink, I get drunk, I fall down, No Problem!!
Actually, several friends have died from drunks hitting them, so I think not drinking is appropriate if driving. I'm on call all the time, so I get 1 drink max.