When I tell people that I refuse to drink (age 32 btw)?

Question

why is that so hard to understand? When I define myself to even those that very rarly drink why do they always point out that there is nothing wrong with a drink once and a while. I usually get told what kind of drinks they would like to see me get drunk on to loosen up or tell me I should drink beer like everyone else. So my question is what part of I don't drink anything ever, in any amount, for any occasion not even New Years is so hard to understand.

Its not that I've not tried alcohol but I can count the sips yes, sips I've had on one hand and I can't stand it. Just curious, you can share your thoughts with me.

Answer 1

just like theres nothing wrong with having a drink theres nothing wrong with not having a drink.  your friends are the ones that have the problem.  i drink most days, but usually only 1 or 2 drinks in the evening unless its the weekend, but i'm in college.  i have a very good friend that i went out with almost every night my freshman semester.  around christmas he decided that he was going to be "sober til october" to win a bet and donate half to charity.  he has some people that give him a hard time, mainly people involved in the bet, but he's still invited out every time we go and he still has a good time.  theres nothing wrong with it and i say keep it going.  there are several things that i don't do for moral reasons and even more that i avoid just because i don't like them.  if it bothers you then find some new friends.  not necessarily ones that don't drink, but people who are ok with your choice not to.  as long as you don't judge others for drinking then you have no problems.

Answer 2

It depends on how you tell people you don't drink; I find that a lot of teetotalers announce that they don't drink in such a way that it makes them come across like they think they're better than people that do. On the flip side, people who do drink may feel the need to defend their behavior because they feel threatened about their lifestyle choices.

While this may not be your intention, that's the reason people always come back with the same comments about how a few drinks are harmless and that you should loosen up. A lot of people who don't drink do so because of religious and moral reasons, and that's something else people find a bit threatening.

I'd say, just try to be friendly but curt about it; you don't drink, so why? My question is, why don't you drink? Health reasons? You don't like it? If you have a reason that doesn't make it seem like you think you're better than everyone for it, you'll find that more people will respect your decision.

Answer 3

>> I don't drink anything ever, in any amount ...

        I'm with you -- but I go a step further.  I don't drink anything, not even at meals, except water with a little pure lemon juice in it.  That means no alcohol of any kind, no coffee, no tea, no soft drinks, no fruit juices, no -ades, no milk, no nothing.  There are no medical conditions which demand this behavior of mine.  I do choose this behavior for both medical and religious reasons, though.   ;-)

God bless.

Answer 4

1)Why not have some fun - you could tell them that last time you drank you passed out and woke up with someone elses blood all over your clothes?  

2) simply tell them I CHOOSE not to drink or tell other people what they should do....

3)Look at them with a puzzled look and say "I don't remember asking for your advice on this?"

Bottom line - they're being rude.....

Answer 5

I don't think you should have to explain yourself to anyone.  If you say you don't drink that should be the end of that conversation.  Don't let it bother you :o)

Answer 6

I think your friends or whoever you are talking about are having the problem, LOL  I think it is a great thing that you don't drink. I wish I never had started.

I would never pressure you into drinking what-so-ever and I think your friends and family should also respect you enough to do the same.

Answer 7

Depends on the particulars.  If I'm having a few drinks with friends, the last thing I want is some morality lecture from anyone.  

If you don't drink...that's your business.  

You just need to say "no thank you" and leave it at that.

Answer 8

it might be simpler to just tell them you are on a medication and cannot drink alcohol.

Answer 9

I can not imagine anyone questioning your drinking, it seems very rude.    I try to remember what all of my friends like to drink and provide that, I am not imagine telling that what they are drinking, weather water, soda or gin is wrong.

However, you should not be commenting on their habits either, that is as rude as them trying to force alcohol on your.    You should respect your friends choices as much as you respect your own.