I mean, I hadn’t the faintest idea of how to have fun without drinking.
That struck me as really sad.
I liked that post because whenever I have to tell someone I don't drink, I always have to prepare for them being an asshole about it, especially if they drink a lot. I know she ends the piece happy that no one cares she doesn't drink anymore, but that hasn't really been my experience. I'd say that most people don't hassle me about it and are pretty polite, but the vast majority make a subtle face like I told them I'm into furries or something. They make a negative judgment of you (perhaps not a hugely negative one, but negative nonetheless) but they still want to be respectful.
I've always figured it's like she said, that they just can't imagine how anyone could have fun without drinking. That's what grates about that little look that flashes across their face: seriously, I'm the weird one? You're judging me? Especially since it's not like I just sit there and smile meekly all night and don't say much. I always end up being
( ... )
I don't see any way most people wouldn't get defensive, because those things are true. I love Erik and all, but he does have anxiety about all those things I said. He would be better-served if he made a conscious effort to get over those fears. If he did those things, he wouldn't need alcohol to loosen himself up and his life would be better in other areas. If he didn't need it for that, he presumably wouldn't drink anymore since he said he doesn't like the taste either and he's not at all an alcoholic or anything
( ... )
Re: PART 2bigmanbrianFebruary 26 2009, 21:31:17 UTC
Truth.
I remember shortly after starting grad school my office mates invited me to go for a drink with them at a nearby pub. I politely declined, saying I don't drink (though there were additional reasons I didn't necessarily want to go). Then I'm grilled as to why, and I said something vague like, "Alcoholism runs in the family." The reply was, "Oh yeah, there was a guy in my frat who didn't drink and that was his excuse, too." I found that offensive. For one, it seems like presumption is on the wrong side. For another, it's irksome when politeness isn't reciprocated.
I agree that it seems like most alcohol use is rooted in insecurity, if not addiction.
I think we tend to get different reactions than the author due to our age. Also I think if the legal drinking age weren't 21 it wouldn't be so glamorized. Kids seem to think drinking makes them grown up. Maybe a drinking age of 0 is the way to go.
Comments 4
That struck me as really sad.
I liked that post because whenever I have to tell someone I don't drink, I always have to prepare for them being an asshole about it, especially if they drink a lot. I know she ends the piece happy that no one cares she doesn't drink anymore, but that hasn't really been my experience. I'd say that most people don't hassle me about it and are pretty polite, but the vast majority make a subtle face like I told them I'm into furries or something. They make a negative judgment of you (perhaps not a hugely negative one, but negative nonetheless) but they still want to be respectful.
I've always figured it's like she said, that they just can't imagine how anyone could have fun without drinking. That's what grates about that little look that flashes across their face: seriously, I'm the weird one? You're judging me? Especially since it's not like I just sit there and smile meekly all night and don't say much. I always end up being ( ... )
Reply
Reply
I remember shortly after starting grad school my office mates invited me to go for a drink with them at a nearby pub. I politely declined, saying I don't drink (though there were additional reasons I didn't necessarily want to go). Then I'm grilled as to why, and I said something vague like, "Alcoholism runs in the family." The reply was, "Oh yeah, there was a guy in my frat who didn't drink and that was his excuse, too." I found that offensive. For one, it seems like presumption is on the wrong side. For another, it's irksome when politeness isn't reciprocated.
I agree that it seems like most alcohol use is rooted in insecurity, if not addiction.
I think we tend to get different reactions than the author due to our age. Also I think if the legal drinking age weren't 21 it wouldn't be so glamorized. Kids seem to think drinking makes them grown up. Maybe a drinking age of 0 is the way to go.
Reply
Reply
Leave a comment