I choose not to drink?

Question

Why must people judge me? Its a personal choice. I don't feel I need to drink to be happy or content. It doesn't seem worth all the problems that come along with it (drunk driving, making as *** of yourself, the liver and brain damage..etc)

My boyfriend, who loves me and supports my decision, tells me drinking makes life enjoyable and wonderful.

I'm a law student at the University of London and I have a lovely family, wonderful friends and a loving boyfriend. My life is already wonderful. I'm content

Why do I need to rely on a drink to make it so? and even if it wasn't wonderful... would alcohol make it better? Not at all.

Why do people make such a big deal about it?

Answer 1

There are a number of reasons I choose not to drink:
1) a history of alcoholics in my extended family (both sides, though my parents are not alcoholics)
2) Fear of losing complete control of my mental faculties
3) I already get migraines that make me nauseated and feel like my head is about to explode...why would I want to induce that if I could help it?
4) I know a number of people who've gotten DUIs...that, alone, makes me wary of drinking
5) I don't like the taste
6) There are other ways to "get high": Exercising gives you endorphins that make you happy; listening to relaxing music zens you out; taking a long walk or bath can help clear your mind and relax
7) If all else fails, and I still get grief after saying, "Thanks, I don't drink," (which happens very rarely) I say, "Oh, I find a peppermint mocha does the same thing when I'm really stressed. You should try it sometime!" Of course, you don't have to say peppermint mocha, but you get the idea. And so far, these strategies have worked. I'm 21 and have never been drunk in my life, which actually impresses people more than anything else. Good luck, and good for you!
PS
As for "wait until things go wrong in your life, then you'll want a drink..." not necessarily. I've had many, many bad things go wrong in my life (my dad getting cancer twice, for one) and I still choose not to drink. Alcohol wouldn't change disasters in my life anyway. Besides, alcohol is a depressant; it'd just make things worse!
I also don't rub it in people's faces that I'm a self-righteous anti-alcohol person, because I'm not. I only bring it up if someone offers me a drink, and usually politely declining does the trick. I made a choice not to drink alcohol. My parents didn't push it on me, nor did anyone else I know. I just naturally came to that decision because it made me feel more secure and in control. And for the record, I don't have a problem with people who drink, I have a problem with people who drink irresponsibly.