When I tell people that I don’t drink alcohol they usually look at me like I have a third eye in the middle of my forehead.
I makes for awkward social situations sometimes. I’ve been to events where I was the only one standing around without a wine glass in my hand. My husband doesn’t drink alcohol either, and we’ve been the only couple sipping Coke with a group of friends at a restaurant. When we go out for a dinner date to a fancy restaurant it never feels quite right to order soda with our gourmet meals, and the waiter always gives us a “look.”
I’m a Christian. I was raised in a Christian home by parents who don’t drink. Once it was common place and widely accepted that Christians abstained from alcohol. That’s changed in the church today as many point out that the Bible doesn’t specifically say not to drink alcohol. I am not about to dip my toes into a theological, doctrinal discussion on whether or not drinking is right or wrong. I am going to share my personal reasons why I don’t drink, and they aren’t all religious.
- Family history has a lot to do with it. My husband and I both have close relatives who are alcoholics. Alcoholism is a hereditary disease. The best way to avoid becoming an alcoholic is to not drink alcohol.
- I don’t like the taste of it. I didn’t have such strong convictions when I was young. I wanted to be like everyone else, and I gave alcohol a try. I thought it tasted awful. The process of making alcohol does involve letting something rot. I throw away leftovers in my fridge that smell like that every week.
- Alcohol is expensive. We’re on a budget. I can’t afford to drink.
- Religious convictions do come into play. The Bible does say in 1 Peter 4:7, “The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.” If I’m intoxicated, I’m not alert and sober minded. I mean, I have a hard enough time with that anyway without the interference of alcohol.
- I just can’t find any benefit to drinking, but it’s filled with risk. Without benefit, the risk isn’t worth it.
- If you know me, can you imagine me drunk? Enough said.
Today in all circles, Christian and non-Christian, it isn’t socially acceptable to not drink alcohol. I’ve had people get angry when I told them I didn’t drink. I didn’t give them a sermon on the evils of alcohol. I simply said, “No, thank you.” I’ve never had anyone get angry when I told them I didn’t smoke cigarettes.
Not drinking alcohol is a personal choice based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, my religious beliefs. Just like someone has the right to choose to be a Democrat or Republican, I have a right to choose not to drink. So why then is there such a social stigma attached to it?
While I’m the occasional social drinker (like, a glass of wine at a party), I totally understand and don’t find it odd that for someone to choose to not drink. Maybe it’s because I have close friends who don’t drink either (for similar reasons), but I really do get it and find it admirable that you have convictions and stick with them.
what are the 26 other reasons?
We don’t drink either! Glad we have some good company.
I’m with you Colleen! 🙂
I totally get this, Colleen! I don’t drink either. And I don’t have a family history or my religion doesn’t come into play. I just don’t really like the stuff. I don’t like the way it makes me feel and I don’t like the lack of control I feel. And I think you summed it up well with #5 — to me, there’s not much of a benefit and it’s risky (and expensive). So here’s to us not drinking!
I don’t drink either! I get odd looks when we’re out with friends and people are always asking why I don’t drink. I once had the wife of one of my hubby’s coworkers say “why don’t you drink, did you used to have a problem or something?” Wow I was a little shocked that she’d be so bold {and kinda rude} with me considering we’d only met once or twice. I basically used most of the reasons you listed above! Our wedding was a similar scene. We got married in my hometown, where my dad is a minister and so are all of his brothers. We served punch, soda, water and sparkling cider and had a blast! I’m like you too, for those that know me, they know I don’t need alcohol. I’m already high on life! 🙂
I drink occasionally, but I don’t enjoy it most of the time. I also only drink my one certain drink and nothing else. It definitely leaves me out of social events and makes people think I am weird. I guess in the end…it’s their problem, not mine!
Every party I go to(and it’s mainly kid birthdays) everyone (adult) is drinking alcohol.
As as a health conscious, Christian, I drink water!
I like probiotic shots and carrot juice shots!
They can think of me as weird as they like, but I am in better shape than them,have healthier skinand can do more pushups.
I am 36 and look 25 and they are 36 and look 46 and who knows how they feel.
The sad part is these people all support each other for bad habbits.
And worse they try to convince my kids its ok to drink (and my wife) and make it like nothing wrong with it. Everytime is a party its the same story to my kids to teach them good habbits and its the same battle with my wife (disagreeing about her familys bad habbits. I personally don’t think its good to celebrate a baptism with tequilia shots in front of kids)
I wish there were more people like you to support us and take away the glamor!
There is nothing great about drinking from a healthy ,religious or social side.
Don’t let adult peer pressure fool you. Misery like company!
One last comment my neighbor 40 years ago was one of those drinkers. A great guy he is!
Now on kidney dialysis and he looks and feels like he wants to die!
His health is horroble. He told me as a teen his story!
Nice blog post and keep up your healthy habbits you’re a winner in my book!