You know how some people can’t wait to turn 21 to hit the bars? Well, I wasn’t one of them. Even as I approach my 30s, alcohol rarely crosses my mind. When I find myself at events with open bars, I often opt for soda instead. This might surprise some, especially since I run an entertainment site called Popcorn and Tequila, but alcohol just doesn’t hold much significance for me.
A lot of this perspective stems from my family’s relationship with drinking. Before I was born, my father struggled with heavy drinking. I can’t say for sure if he was an alcoholic, partly because I’m too apprehensive to ask, but I remember my mom mentioning that his drinking contributed to the number of kids he had. This made me realize that, yes, he probably had an issue. And don’t worry, “XYZ” refers to someone before my mom, so my childhood wasn’t as wild as it sounds.
I plan to ask my dad one day, but the truth is, he’s not the only one in my family with a drinking problem. I’ve witnessed my uncles drink excessively, and both my cousin and half-brother exhibit signs of alcoholism, even if no one acknowledges it. Growing up, I saw enough alcohol-related chaos to understand its impact. Fortunately, I’ve never been harmed by anyone, but just observing the effects on others has been enough of a deterrent. Given this family history, I tend to steer clear of alcohol.
I do drink occasionally, perhaps when I’m out with friends or celebrating something special. But I never drink alone and absolutely avoid it when I’m feeling down. I’m self-aware enough to understand that using alcohol to escape my problems wouldn’t solve anything; it might even lead me down the same path as some family members who turned to it under stress.
If I’m being honest, I’ve had a bottle of tequila sitting around for over a year, and it’s still mostly full. It just collects dust. Sure, it’s good tequila, but I don’t feel the need to drink just for the sake of finishing it, so it patiently waits for me to mix it with lemonade when I feel like it.
Moreover, alcohol tends to make me tired. By the time my child is in bed and I could enjoy a glass of wine, I usually find no reason to drink—unless I want to ensure I’m groggy the next day. So when my older brother pokes fun at me for my untouched tequila, I simply shrug it off. Make fun all you want; I’m not in a rush to polish it off. In fact, the only reason it’s getting low is because he helps himself to it during his visits. ahem Clearly, the tendency for alcohol runs strong in our family.
I take pride in the fact that, despite drinking occasionally, I’ve never experienced a hangover. That’s right—I’ve never been “drunk drunk.” I can enjoy a drink with friends and know when it’s time to stop. The buzz that comes with drinking isn’t enjoyable for me; I often find myself asking for water and seeking fresh air once I feel it coming on. I’ve even walked home from parties just to soak in the cool air, and by the time I get home, I’m sober.
I stop when I know I should, regardless of what others think or say. Peer pressure can be tough, but I refuse to succumb to it, so I have no problem saying no to drinking.
So, when it comes to the question of why some people choose not to drink, I simply get it. Over the past two decades, I’ve learned that everything happens for a reason, including the choices people make. It’s not my job to question why some friends drink and others don’t. You don’t need to be in recovery or have a drinking problem to opt out of alcohol. For many, drinking can lead to feelings of anger, anxiety, or exhaustion, and everyone reacts differently.
Some individuals may be grappling with family issues they prefer not to discuss. It’s crucial not to judge anyone for their choices regarding alcohol. The next time someone says they don’t want to drink or chooses not to drink at all, resist the urge to look at them like they’re odd. Respect their decision and move on. Don’t make it a big deal or pry for explanations. If you’re genuinely curious and friends with them, an honest conversation may reveal that their reasons are more complex than a simple “I just don’t want to.”
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Summary:
The article discusses the author’s personal choice to avoid alcohol, rooted in their family’s history with drinking. Despite running an entertainment site, the author finds little interest in drinking, often opting for soda instead. They reflect on their father’s past drinking habits and the impact of alcoholism within their family, which influences their cautious approach to alcohol. While they occasionally drink in social situations, they prioritize self-awareness and make a conscious choice to avoid using alcohol as an escape from emotions. The piece emphasizes the importance of respecting individual choices regarding drinking without judgment.