[wi_fighter]

I'm curious how many other people don't drink alcohol just because they have really no desire to, not because they have to for health or other reasons.

Not since my 20s have I drank much. It's a bunch of empty calories, I'm not a good drunk, and I don't like the way I feel the next day.

It bothers me that I feel I should have to drink because not drinking makes other people uncomfortable, like they don't know how to interact with someone who doesn't have at least a beer in their hand.

I just don't get the whole push for "social" alcohol consumption. I guess I could just say "I have a mental disorder that alcohol interacts with extremely negatively. Still want me to have that drink?" LOL

[LMo]

Alcohol is certainly not my wind-down of choice, but I do like something to wind down with. I don't really like the taste of anything other than some red wines and some beer, and I agree with you about how I feel the next day. I've never encountered problems with people being uncomfortable if I didn't drink with them, though. My friends and acquaintances never seem to bat an eye when one of us doesn't drink, so I can't really relate to that part of your post.

[pegasus]

I am careful how much I drink. I hate the day after- I think it is something to do with getting older!!!!!!!!!

[Daonnachd]

lol wi-fighter, I like your explanation for not drinking. I'll have to remember that.

I don't drink except on rare and special occasions. That is, sometimes at Christmas I'll have half a glass of wine, but that's all. No one around me seems to care much, even though I live in a wine producing region. Sort of funny, I think, all this culture built up around here that focuses on the grape, and I'm immune to it.

[wi_fighter]

That's how I am around here with beer. Big brewery state and all. You wouldn't believe how many times I've heard "you're from Wisconsin, and you don't like beeeeeeeer???!!!! "

[LMo]

The problem isn't whether you drink or not; the problem is that you live in Wiscons.. ah, never mind!

[DaveyJones]

Cheeseheads!

DJ

[wi_fighter]

to both of you.

[SleepsWithButterFlies]

I drank so much in high school and college that I have no desire for it...
However right now with all my woes I wish I could drink because I would stay pickled...Its cheaper than Valium and Ambein....but thats just been a desire to cut down cash wise and cut out the middleman my doc

[January]

I don't drink alcohol. I don't want to and I don't like the taste. I used to go out with my friends and order Pepsi. I got laughed at a lot by the bartenders, but I didn't care. I figured if anyone pushed me to drink he/she didn't like me for who I am and I didn't need to be his/her friend. If someone pushed you to drink, he or she doesn't respect you.

((((((((((((( WI ))))))))))))

Hugs,

Jan

[bebop]

I don't drink either...once in a blue moon but I don't like the taste of beer for sure!! it is pee water I tell ya lol..and my late hubby was an alcoholic so that really turned me against drinking for the most part

[sharita]

I'm 21, and I don't drink alcohol either. I hate the taste and I just never really got into it.

Also, I read in the news of this 21 year old college student who died from alcohol withdrawal. That's something I've never heard of. Especially for someone so young. So, I've decided to just leave it alone.

[(JD)]

I don't drink for "pleasure only" Surely do use it "medicinally" in between (and while stretching out pain med doses) to help when muscles are extremely spasmed and I sip about slightly more than what is inhaleable

[Rhapsody]

I don't drink (any more) - I have not had a drinking in about 8 years.... its hard to want a drink when your own special family member was killed by a drunk driver on Christmas Eve and you had to get the phone call in the middle of the night - HELL on EARTH.

LoVe,
Rhapsody -

[Azalysa]

The only time I drink alcohol is if I'm out socially and even then it's like 1 time out of 20. Figures out to maybe 5 drinks a year, if that.

I've never had the desire to drink regularly. Never had anyone hassle me about it either.

i probably have 5 or 6 drinks a year. i like mexican beer and a few wines. occasionally i have a vodka tonic with my 92 year old friend when she has a martini. that's all. i don't like the way it makes me feel the next day and i am an extremely silly drunk. two good reasons to not turn the glass up.

[sometimes]

Oh i so relate to this. When people catch up they 'go out for a beer' And i'm not a big fan of alcohol, it makes me feel bloated. And you just need to drink too much, not to get completely wasted, but to get drunk. For me it is about four beers....now that's a lot of fizzy stuff in the stomach. You know what, i prefer, if i want to get tipsy, to drink cowboys and get silly drunk, and then steal other people's beers cos then they actually taste nice and you don't care WHAT you're drinking. HA ha ha ha. true. There is something appealing about SOMEONE ELSE'S DRINK. Especially if he is a hot guy....see where i'm coming from.

No, i agree there is too much emphasis on alcohol, there are so many other exciting things to eat, drink and share out there!

You know what...be true to yourself and don't do something JUST BECAUSE EVERYONE ELSE DOES. You're an individual and the right people will love and accept that about you, honestly. Be bold, and comfortable with yourself. Don't be scared to conform every now and then, but embrace your own opinions, they are what counts!

Love,

Em