That is the main reason I no longer drink. It does seem from reading these posts it is automatically assumed one is a recovering Alcoholic if they don't drink. I just got sick of some of things I did while drinking, especially hated waking up with some of those "things"
I think it's about time I take some of the advice in here, it's making alot of sense to me now. I'm 23 and in my prime of consumption. It would be a welcome change
I don't drink, except at the beach house and thats maybe 3 times a year. Gastro-esophageal reflux, don't you know. A glass of tonic water is pretty indistinguishable (from a gin and tonic) to an observer.
I don't know why you have to feel defensive about the fact that you don't drink. Whether it's religious issue, or a behavioral one, it's your business, not anybody elses. If you think it makes a difference in how certain people relate to you, you are with the wrong people. And, i would wonder why it's an issue for you. I went from complete maniac to total abstinence years ago, and it's just not about what others think.
I might get tired of it eventually, and have slowed down a lot (which is still probably more than most) but I usually respect a individuals choice to not drink unless they start preaching about it, in which case it's on. I've undone several years of mental conditioning fairly quickly in those circumstances.. It's double-jeopardy time if you've never drank and you're on a soapbox telling me that I'm doing something wrong. Just order an Arnold Palmer or a Coke and I'll know, but I won't mention it. No big deal. -Chris Image Unavailable, Please Login
I don't think it does now. People are more accepting of perceived healthy life styles, less drinking and no smoking etc................... I order an orange juice & 7up or a Virgin Mary. No one knows the difference or cares. I usually say, "Sure!" then order a non-alcoholic drink. He has offered and I have taken him up on it. In this case I don't think the substance is as important as the gesture. Same as the answer above. My friends understand. They asked, "Did you have a problem drinking?" and I said, "No, No problem at all". I was damn good at it. (They usually drink somewhere else). Like Steve said, "It's a life decision". Instead of drinking I drive my Oldslow308. In my own experience I have seen more people looked down upon for drinking (excessively) than those that don't. After 15+ years I certainly don't miss the hangovers and the girls I "drank pretty" the night before. I'm sure they don't miss me either.
i completely agree with Bill (Wilson?)... If you don't drink, you shouldn't have to explain yourself and you should be proud of your decision to abstain from alcohol... Alcohol, in large/excessive quantities, makes people do stupid things - trust me, i know...! i also agree with Chris - if you don't drink, that's cool, but don't beat me in the head with anti-alcohol propaganda - especially WHILE i'm drinking...!
LAFUN2, I'm actually fairly lucky when it comes to this issue. All of my friends know I'm not a drinker. They respect my wishes not to have alcohol forced down my throat. I am also fairly lucky to have a good group of co-workers who respect my wishes. I must mention that most of my current co-workers are middle-aged (I'm only 28), but at my previous job, the pressure was on to drink. I still didn't succomb because I'm secure enough to know that I don't need alcohol to have fun (this isn't a criticism of those who do drink so please I hope nobody takes it this way) which is something my ex coworkers seemed to need. This is not to say that I've never had a drink and if an important client offers me one, I don't feel the least bit bad in declining. I just tell the person "I'm not a big drinker, I hope you understand". Christmas parties can be a little awkward, but I don't mind in the slightest. If I'm out with my closest friends, I am the DD (I don't want to see any of these guys do something stupid like drink & drive) and if it's work-related, there are usually other people who act as DDs, so I'm not always the one relied upon to drive everybody home. In 99% of the instances, I've never been looked down upon for not being a drinker. Usually it's the other way around. Hope this helps. Andrew
Bill not defensive at all actually. I never did any drugs either, and went to undergrad at Pot capital of the world institution. never really got to me. I was curious, for people who didn't drink, how it effected them in the business setting. From this thread, I would venture to say, it doesn't effect them much at all, which is nice to see.
Thanks ANdrew, I appreciate the post. I remember a time, when if you didn't drink you were considered the prude, or the person who was spoiling the party. I guess with all the stuff with MADD and anti drinking slogans, and the health consicousness of our society, not drinking is actually ok.
DJ, Thank you for the precise responses. As always appreciated. I hope you got my last email, and things are going well for you, my friend. I will put your advise to good use, even though its coming from an OldSlow308 owner
I have never had any issues with my desire to abstain from alcohol consumption. Most people usually understand when I say "No thanks, I don't drink." and few who are usually inebriated make a smart comment. Just because everyone else is doing something doesn't mean you have to follow suit, we are not lemmings as far as I know. I go to school in a town where the average student's BAC is quite a bit higher than their GPA. So usually when one of them makes a comment about my abstaining habits I ask them to super size the fries and keep the change.
Yes, my bad for not answering. Busy dodging bullets. I'll shoot you an E when it dies down a little. DJ
I don't approve of drinking. The only reason I even put up with it is that it gives me something to do with my hands while I'm waiting to get drunk! ;-) Seriously, I'm in sales and my team is in situations like this all of the time....and several team members don't drink. As long as they order _something_ (club soda, etc) no one seems to have a problem with it. Nobody cares _what_ you are drinking; they only notice when you don't have something in your hand. And unlike the team members that do drink, the nondrinkers are much less likely to say or do something that they (or we) would later regret. The only time I've seen anyone have a problem is when someone made a big deal about not drinking. (Sort of like when a Vegan makes a big scene at a restaurant quizzing the waiter of every single ingrediant a dish might have). That is an immediate wet blanket thrown on the group. My guys are so senior and so seasoned, this does not happen with our group. Bill
I was thinking of making a shirt for Vegas, "Scuderia Rampage Designated Driver" And hang out near the Enzo and F40 owners.
Ryan- I don't drink...never have and never will. It has never been a problem in any situation. I just say "I don't drink" or "no thanks" and have not have any hassle except from a person who is totally drunk...but they are usually being a pain in the butt on any topic so I just throw a shiny object across the room and that usually distracts them long enough to forget what we were talking about. I've never been negatively impacted by not drinking in a business setting, however, I have seen many people get into hot water as a result of drinking in a business setting. Even lose their job for saying or doing something deemed inappropriate due to drinking. As far as my boyfriend goes, he loves the fact that I don't drink. We frequently joke "more for him!". He never has to worry about getting home safely since I am the designated driver. AND a cheap dinner date too!
most things taken in moderation is ok. Xmas party at work? only If i "choose" too, but it's never a requirement. a business lunch? well i normally don't drink at lunch time, but again It's my choice. reguardless of any scenerio mentioned, going over board and getting blasted is foolish and you should know better. Now, what I have noticed is that SOME people that don't drink take offence from people that have their drinks. I'm not talking about people that have drinking problems, that is understandable, but by people that have a drink or two on occation. Why? case in point, recently in a different thread "cars and motorcycles" I took a lashing because I had a couple beers on a motor cycle ride not to long ago. The lashing came mostly from people that claim they don't drink. so really I think the tables are turned here and it makes me wonder of the real reason for this thread. I respect anyone that "chooses" not to drink for what ever reason, frankly I don't care. But I do feel that respect should be recipracle. just my .02
