When you say "I dont drink" how do people react ?

Lone Stone

I always tell people when they ask me to out on the booze
"Oh no sorry i dont drink" and i always get the same reaction ohh
and i can almost see a thought bubble above there head where they assume that means i must be an alcoholic because i am irish and i dont drink.

Now i drink sometimes at like weddings or what ever special ocasions
but it always anoys me how most people think in this country.

Do you get a simaler reaction or is just me :rolleyes:

Karoma

I still go out.
At the start of the night: "Really? Really? No, but really? You must. It must be annoying for you to be surrounded by us happy drunks."
At the middle/end of the night: "Jeeshush, man, I really reshpec djat"
It's not a big deal. Imaginary thought bubbles = you putting words into their minds... get over it. Drink/don't drink: get over it.

thusspakeblixa

Usually
"Yeh Fagihh, geh dah inta yeh"

or

"Is that because of your religion?"

or else they think I'm foreign/a really quiet reserved type

Stench Blossoms

"Are you sick?"

Skapoot

Why arent you drinking!?? you have to drink. Come on . Just drink. Why arent you drinking?? Youre really lettin down the team. I thought you belonged to team session. Come onnnnn. You should drink!! Go on, have one of my cans. etc etc.

Sooner or later I have to come up with an excuse so I won't have to deal with it!

Well, actually 2 weeks ago I had a 48 hour bug thus wasnt drinking. When I gave my excuse for not drinking the response was "sick? that must mean youre pregnant. shes not drinking cos shes pregnant..."

lol. jesus its harder saying no to drink than it is saying yes!

Lone Stone

haha yea god its funny i always get that your letting us down line, some times i just get a drink and sit it there to shut people up lol

unreggd

In Ireland: You're a fvckin weirdo!!

Any other country in the world: Whatever....

cue

Depends on the person and their attitude towards drink. Some people see it as a personal attack on their own drinking habits. Some people don't care. Some are kinda interested in why I don't drink. Its more about where they are at really.

SpitfireIV

I find the usual responce is shock at first, then respect! When I say I dont drink what I usually get is 'jaysus, fair play to you! I dont know how you go out without drinking, I'd love to be able to do that, etc etc'.

Lone Stone

I find older people generally react pritty strange like a friend of my mother replied to me when he asked if i do go out drinking with me friends and i said no i dont drink really he was "there is nothing wrong with that !" i was ok ... i know (was the way he said it had to be there i guess ) his face was like this ->

outlander83

CroppyBoy1798 wrote: »

I find the usual responce is shock at first, then respect! When I say I dont drink what I usually get is 'jaysus, fair play to you! I dont know how you go out without drinking, I'd love to be able to do that, etc etc'.

yea i get a very false version of that, they usually ask why and because its due to childhood family reasons i prefer not to say. then i notice i usually dont get invited to any event where there will be alcohol and anyone getting drunk (which is just about every event in ireland).

this really annoys me as i dont think its wrong to drink i just dont think its for me. people always seem to think im judging them but im not, iv never even gone out with a girl who was tee total.

Skapoot

Not drinking = friends not wanting you around any more.


Its ****! The more drinking you do the more popular you are. I hate the fact that if I really want to give up drinking, I have to deal with not having a busy social life anymore :cool:

The Black Oil

Well, I drink about 5 or 6 times a year, but mostly don't drink socially, just Christmas and that. Sometimes it's easier to hint that I don't drink at all...some people immediately lock on with a laser beam if they spot a non-alcoholic drink.

'So, you're not drinking, then?'
'Why?'
'But you're Irish, omgz!!111!!!!!111'
'I don't trust people who don't drink'
'It's only beer, jaysus'

OneArt

Skapoot wrote: »

Not drinking = friends not wanting you around any more.


Its ****! The more drinking you do the more popular you are. I hate the fact that if I really want to give up drinking, I have to deal with not having a busy social life anymore :cool:

Buddha what kind of friends do/did you have?

I'm a big drinker and I'd say a fair few people I head out with on the town don't drink. It's not whether they drink or not its whether or not they're fun to be around.

You must just be a boring person.

Skapoot

OneArt wrote: »

Buddha what kind of friends do/did you have?

I'm a big drinker and I'd say a fair few people I head out with on the town don't drink. It's not whether they drink or not its whether or not they're fun to be around.

You must just be a boring person.

Yeah I must be a boring person.

Anyways, the friends I still have all drink to excess. 3-4 times a week maybe more. All the social settings are based around alcohol. If I dont drink, I won't get invited to drinking situations.

And If I dont want to drink I have to stay away from drink. The lure of it is too much pour moi. Out of sight out of mind.

Anyone else have this problem?

Ashlinggnilsia

People simply dont believe me and give me that yeah right look... spose thats cos im only 21....funny thing is i did drink when i was 16/17 then stopped no particular reason and twas good craic i just dont feel the need to i can have a good night without it and still go out with people on nights out....they are always like ah go on drink tonight and trying to buy me drinks!!!!! It only bothers me when people keep doin the aul mrs doyle on it!

unreggd

Ashlinggnilsia wrote: »

People simply dont believe me and give me that yeah right look... spose thats cos im only 21....funny thing is i did drink when i was 16/17 then stopped no particular reason and twas good craic i just dont feel the need to i can have a good night without it and still go out with people on nights out....they are always like ah go on drink tonight and trying to buy me drinks!!!!! It only bothers me when people keep doin the aul mrs doyle on it!

I'm the same

I only drank certain drinks I liked the taste of, and did it to be a rebel before I was 18 :P

Now I dont drink anymore, and yes, the Mrs Doyle factor is so annoyin! Worst of all I get it from the same friends all the time!

Sake!!

Noodleworm

I get a mix of loads of things, surprise, people trying to convince me I should, the whole "fair play to you".
to be honest I haven't told many people. I don't bring it up unless I absolutely have to. My close friends are fine with it and know they can drink around me (although I discourage them getting to the puking/falling over stage), my boyfriend stopped drinking a few months before we started going out so he's fine with me.

Generally my age who I know but aren't that close are the most annoying. They either try to persuade me, or act really weird and uncomfortable. I don't like when people feel they need to apologise to me when they mention drinking... They act like there talking about walking to a person with no legs.

Ashlinggnilsia

One reason a few people said they dont like bein around me when they are drunk because I will remember all the things they did unlike them!! Bein out with drunk people all the time doesnt bother me that much but in the last while like i would notice that i would be wrecked tired and the would all be still happy out!! I think half the reason for me that I dont drink its kinda like im not that thirst i cant drink anything when im not thirsty so why would i drink one pint or something and they i cant drive or anything I wouldn't drink more than a glass of coke on a night out anyway!! Fair hate though the way im like the taxi now its driving me mad...I wouldnt mind but I think people should have the decency to ask me If they can have a lift and not expect one!!

unreggd

I charge my mates for petrol!

Its not free! But its cheaper for them than gettin a taxi, and they'd rather give me their monies, woop

Ashlinggnilsia

i know yeah but like well some of them offer but what pissed me off was i was wrecked cos i dont drink and all and hadnt been out but the bf was and was at a session at a house in the next estate so he came over to my house after and brought two friends with him who didnt even ask if it was ok for a life and at this stage it was like 4 in the morning and we were going out to his house and i was in some mood that they expected me to drop them out without asking me especially as their houses wernt even on the way i just wanted to go to his house and go to bed!! Then again i would class them as his friends not mine!!

Ger the man

Skapoot wrote: »

Yeah I must be a boring person.

Anyways, the friends I still have all drink to excess. 3-4 times a week maybe more. All the social settings are based around alcohol. If I dont drink, I won't get invited to drinking situations.

And If I dont want to drink I have to stay away from drink. The lure of it is too much pour moi. Out of sight out of mind.

Anyone else have this problem?

If they dont respect your right not to drink then they aint real freinds. I went through the same a couple of years ago when I started to exercise and go to the gym, I now have a body that I am very proud of. The more I thought about it, the more I realised I didnt have in common with them, I dont miss them in the slightest bit. Stick to your guns!


A buddy of mine quit drinking years ago to work hard at the gym and his karate. He went through the same too, he now owns his own dojo and is doing well. He used to get the same: ' Why are you not drinkin? , That karate is a load of crap etc'. The same people constantly complain about being over weight and about their jobs.

tinyfox

I usually get the confused look, followed by a million questions

1. Oh my god your pregnant!!!!

2. Poor pet, are you sick?

3. You got stuck being designated dessie huh?

and on and on and on until finally a reluctant "fair play at your age (26) putting up with all us happy drunks etc etc and the inevitable "any chance of a lift home" or worse the people who dont even have the decency to ask and just assume i'll bring them cos they're some distant friend of a cousin of a my bf's dog :mad:

This is about people who dont know me, my family and friends are great about it and it makes me feel better knowing i can see my friends home at the end of the night and regal them with their antics the following day

kgpixels

Gave it up about 6yrs ago, was on it for past 6mths, and now of it again for good I think(hope). Its always a tough one to explain though.

tlev

Just tell em you are driving. Easiest thing to do. Worst is the barman giving me funny looks when I ask for water . I will have the occasional drink of wine but I've never been drunk and I hate beer!

jasonb

I don't drink and over the years I've got all the reactions listed above. The 'well fair play to ya' is a bit weird to be honest. Why do I get respect for not drinking? What it really means is 'I couldn't put up with going out without drinking, so I don't know how you do it'. The problem is people who drink assume that a night out for me ( not drinking ) must be the same as the occasional times when they can't drink for whatever reason and really miss it. Of course, I'm not missing anything, it's a normal night out for me!

The other weird thing is that sometimes people just don't trust me when they find out I don't drink, and nearly always ( and I hate to use generalisations ) it's a female who doesn't trust me. I've never understood that? They'd rather trust someone who's drinking and could end up drunk and not responsible for their actions?

Like someone above said, I've no problem or hang up with not drinking, and I've no problem or hangup with other people drinking ( as long as they are rude / obnoxious to me! ), but drinkers do seem to have issues with me not drinking. Though I am reliable for a lift home. I guess the only hangup I have about it is when people are stupid / rude / agressive / unsafe etc. and it's 'forgiven' because sure, they have a few drinks on them.

I only ever drink water in pubs, I might have 4 or 5 pints of tap water with ice during a night out, it's free and it's good for me...

J.

Thomas828

In Walthamstow, the part of London where I live, I've never had a problem. My friends know I'm teetotal and I don't go to pubs. Also, a lot of my relatives are teetotal. Besides, about half the population of Walthamstow are Moslems, and they're far more likely to be addicted to coffee.

carriec87

I usually get asked am i preggers... Or else they tell me i am...

Couple of xmas ago, myself and d bf went for a dew drinks wth a few friends... I was drinkin 7up only cause i was dying from d night before... I was a bit heavier that what i was when we last seen them, and with me on the 7up, i was asked all night when am i due etc etc...

I just don't think that's on at all...

I wouldn't usually drink... Just don't like it...

Stones85

Skapoot wrote: »

Yeah I must be a boring person.

Anyways, the friends I still have all drink to excess. 3-4 times a week maybe more. All the social settings are based around alcohol. If I dont drink, I won't get invited to drinking situations.

And If I dont want to drink I have to stay away from drink. The lure of it is too much pour moi. Out of sight out of mind.

Anyone else have this problem?

I was mad for drinking and all the ****e that goes along with it, decided 3 weeks ago not to touch a drop to see how I go. Usual BS from friends.

Thought I wouldn't be able to resist the temptation of a night out, so tried there at the weekend, it was good craic, most people were to pissed to remember I'm not drinking.

Shamefully I used drink as a crutch and dutch courage to dance or talk to girls...... but I have more craic and more fun without the drink. Which to me was really weird, I don't know why I thought I needed it.

I just tell the lads ti fck off if they get pushy

metaoblivia

I almost always get asked "why" when I tell people I don't drink. I don't usually mind answering, but normally they're asking in a very sincere way. I tell them it's a variety of factors, including that I usually drive when I go out, I don't like the taste of most alcohol and I grew up with an alcoholic father and my experiences with him put me off to drinking.
And most people accept that explanation.

cathysworld

They keep trying to force drink onto me but I am strong and can say fcuk off!

TheInquisitor

The reason people don't like non drinkers is

1). They are normally very boring , don't get involved with the group and have fun etc

2) They go home early because their "tired"

3) The next morning they tell you all the stupid things you did the night before. Possibly the most annoying thing ever!!

4) They go dancing less than a person that has been drinkin.

5) They are less likely to go back to mad house parties and also less likely to throw wild house parties

6) They are unlikely to score on a night out.

7) Did i say they are ridiculously boring?

I have done the whole no drinkin thing on a night out about 15-20 times. I made the effort to stay out the whole night and went dancing etc. Didn't charge my friends for driving them home because thats what FRIENDS do for all you cheapskates out there. And for people that know limerick i went sober to the lodge about 10 times. I deserve a medal i know.

8) Oh ya non-drinkers are normally cheap mangey feckers.

And they are the reasons why i normally run a mile when i meet a non drinker.

Dudess

TheInquisitor wrote: »

The reason people don't like non drinkers is

1). They are normally very boring , don't get involved with the group and have fun etc

2) They go home early because their "tired"

3) The next morning they tell you all the stupid things you did the night before. Possibly the most annoying thing ever!!

4) They go dancing less than a person that has been drinkin.

5) They are less likely to go back to mad house parties and also less likely to throw wild house parties

6) They are unlikely to score on a night out.

7) Did i say they are ridiculously boring?

I have done the whole no drinkin thing on a night out about 15-20 times. I made the effort to stay out the whole night and went dancing etc. Didn't charge my friends for driving them home because thats what FRIENDS do for all you cheapskates out there. And for people that know limerick i went sober to the lodge about 10 times. I deserve a medal i know.

8) Oh ya non-drinkers are normally cheap mangey feckers.

And they are the reasons why i normally run a mile when i meet a non drinker.

Oh yeah, if there's one thing I hate, it's people who "are unlikely to score on a night out". Bastards. :mad:
It really affects me. :mad: :mad:

Dave!

TheInquisitor infracted for being a gimp

outlander83

TheInquisitor wrote: »

The reason people don't like non drinkers is

1). They are normally very boring , don't get involved with the group and have fun etc

2) They go home early because their "tired"

3) The next morning they tell you all the stupid things you did the night before. Possibly the most annoying thing ever!!

4) They go dancing less than a person that has been drinkin.

5) They are less likely to go back to mad house parties and also less likely to throw wild house parties

6) They are unlikely to score on a night out.

7) Did i say they are ridiculously boring?

I have done the whole no drinkin thing on a night out about 15-20 times. I made the effort to stay out the whole night and went dancing etc. Didn't charge my friends for driving them home because thats what FRIENDS do for all you cheapskates out there. And for people that know limerick i went sober to the lodge about 10 times. I deserve a medal i know.

8) Oh ya non-drinkers are normally cheap mangey feckers.

And they are the reasons why i normally run a mile when i meet a non drinker.

1)I am usually the life of the party,
2)I only go home early when I have work the next day, remember what a job is moron?
3)if you cant face how stupid you’ve been you shouldn’t be drinking in the first place.
4)dancing isn’t much fun when the floor is full of drunkin morons struggling to stand let alone dance.
5)I love going to house parties, especially all nighters, but I don’t have them at my place as I don’t want pin heads like you puking all over my home.
6)I “score” more then your average, the difference being I don’t wake up in the morning next to something I wouldn’t fcuk in my right mind.
7)so your idea of boring is someone who remembers the night before.
8)I make around a grand a week and quite freely spend it too.

And I have never had a friend charge me for bringing me home, I wouldn’t consider them a friend if they did. So I assume you mean you only drive home with your drunk friends. Well done, drink driving on top of everything else.

Congratulations you could be the dumbest human being on the face of the planet

outlander83

nice one dave, good to see you guys have standards.

TheInquisitor

outlander83 wrote: »

1)I am usually the life of the party,
2)I only go home early when I have work the next day, remember what a job is moron?
3)if you cant face how stupid you’ve been you shouldn’t be drinking in the first place.
4)dancing isn’t much fun when the floor is full of drunkin morons struggling to stand let alone dance.
5)I love going to house parties, especially all nighters, but I don’t have them at my place as I don’t want pin heads like you puking all over my home.
6)I “score” more then your average, the difference being I don’t wake up in the morning next to something I wouldn’t fcuk in my right mind.
7)so your idea of boring is someone who remembers the night before.
8)I make around a grand a week and quite freely spend it too.

And I have never had a friend charge me for bringing me home, I wouldn’t consider them a friend if they did. So I assume you mean you only drive home with your drunk friends. Well done, drink driving on top of everything else.

Congratulations you could be the dumbest human being on the face of the planet

Where the hell did i say i drink drive? I said that when i have gone into town and not drunk, i drove and gave my friends a free lift home unlike what a character on the first page did when he charged all his friends for driving them home. Now who's the boring moron.

Dave!

outlander83 wrote: »

Congratulations you could be the dumbest human being on the face of the planet

Take it easy outlander, that's not allowed either !

No more hostility please gents

BornToRun88

I'd be one of these occasional drinkers, like a drink every 10 months or so. However after a horrible experience with drink two weeks ago, im never drinking again. Why be pressured into doing something you're not happy to do?

In response to how people react! They think ur not normal for not drinking, they try convince u to drink and give off the impression it's the social thing to do

Cool water

I hate to see people fall around the place after few drinks, it's definitely good thing not to drink. Just do what you believe is right.

Skapoot

TheInquisitor wrote: »

The reason people don't like non drinkers is

1). They are normally very boring , don't get involved with the group and have fun etc

2) They go home early because their "tired"

3) The next morning they tell you all the stupid things you did the night before. Possibly the most annoying thing ever!!

4) They go dancing less than a person that has been drinkin.

5) They are less likely to go back to mad house parties and also less likely to throw wild house parties

6) They are unlikely to score on a night out.

7) Did i say they are ridiculously boring?

I have done the whole no drinkin thing on a night out about 15-20 times. I made the effort to stay out the whole night and went dancing etc. Didn't charge my friends for driving them home because thats what FRIENDS do for all you cheapskates out there. And for people that know limerick i went sober to the lodge about 10 times. I deserve a medal i know.

8) Oh ya non-drinkers are normally cheap mangey feckers.

And they are the reasons why i normally run a mile when i meet a non drinker.

Basically - it seems from this post that all the Non- drinkers you have been meeting

a) are not interested in going to house parties or staying out late because they have other activities and important things in their lives apart from drinking
b) are not willing to spend 50euro a night drinking -

I dont see why you'd put a negative spin on this. Seems pretty healthy to me-That drinking for them is not the be all and end all.

WillWrite4Food

This has been an issue for me so many times! I'm a very occasional drinker, mainly because I'm not that keen on alcohol and I don't like being drunk. I have a couple of friends who either don't drink or drink very little and it's very easy (and fun) being around them, but I have another group of friends who do pretty much nothing but drink and it's meant that even though I used to be very close to them we've now drifted apart. One guy in particular just keeps pushing drink on me and we had a huge fight last year about it. He (while drunk) said "I don't know why I'm friends with you" because I wouldn't have a drink. Needless to say I was really really hurt and even though we worked it out I'm still quite mad about it. It really really annoys me when people just won't accept a "no" when they offer drink. To make things worse I actually can't drink at the moment because I'm on medication that makes it dangerous to take alcohol. Most of my friends don't know I'm on this medication and I don't want it to be public knowledge. I'm recently married and I'm throwing a party on Saturday and I just know I will be bombarded with "Ooooh you're pregnant!" all night when I refuse drinks. I should be looking forward to the party but because of that I'm not. For any drinker out there please please try not to pressure non-drinkers. You never know the reason why they're not drinking, it could be very personal and you could be making them feel awful by pushing for a reason. If a person says no just accept it and move on.

BornToRun88

WillWrite4Food wrote: »

This has been an issue for me so many times! I'm a very occasional drinker, mainly because I'm not that keen on alcohol and I don't like being drunk. I have a couple of friends who either don't drink or drink very little and it's very easy (and fun) being around them, but I have another group of friends who do pretty much nothing but drink and it's meant that even though I used to be very close to them we've now drifted apart. One guy in particular just keeps pushing drink on me and we had a huge fight last year about it. He (while drunk) said "I don't know why I'm friends with you" because I wouldn't have a drink. Needless to say I was really really hurt and even though we worked it out I'm still quite mad about it. It really really annoys me when people just won't accept a "no" when they offer drink. To make things worse I actually can't drink at the moment because I'm on medication that makes it dangerous to take alcohol. Most of my friends don't know I'm on this medication and I don't want it to be public knowledge. I'm recently married and I'm throwing a party on Saturday and I just know I will be bombarded with "Ooooh you're pregnant!" all night when I refuse drinks. I should be looking forward to the party but because of that I'm not. For any drinker out there please please try not to pressure non-drinkers. You never know the reason why they're not drinking, it could be very personal and you could be making them feel awful by pushing for a reason. If a person says no just accept it and move on.

you couldn't have said it better! Why force drink on people that don't want it, hope that type are reading these comments

NTMK

TheInquisitor wrote: »

The reason people don't like non drinkers is

1). They are normally very boring , don't get involved with the group and have fun etc

2) They go home early because their "tired"

3) The next morning they tell you all the stupid things you did the night before. Possibly the most annoying thing ever!!

4) They go dancing less than a person that has been drinkin.

5) They are less likely to go back to mad house parties and also less likely to throw wild house parties

6) They are unlikely to score on a night out.

7) Did i say they are ridiculously boring?

I have done the whole no drinkin thing on a night out about 15-20 times. I made the effort to stay out the whole night and went dancing etc. Didn't charge my friends for driving them home because thats what FRIENDS do for all you cheapskates out there. And for people that know limerick i went sober to the lodge about 10 times. I deserve a medal i know.

8) Oh ya non-drinkers are normally cheap mangey feckers.

And they are the reasons why i normally run a mile when i meet a non drinker.

1) That depends on the person I have no problem havin fun with my friends when their drinkin. 2) I normally stay out the whole night ↲
3) Most of the time im asked what stupid things they did when out. ↲
4) Thats true but youre less self aware when youre drunk ive seen people cringe at their so called dancing.↲↲
5) After my first year of college ive yet to see a mad house party after a night out and true we are unlikely to hold a house party but why would we want to? ↲
6) Also true but have u seen the state of some people out, its kinda hard not to feel like your taking advantage of them. ↲
7) Wow! you've gone to the lodge 10 times sober i do that like twice a week its probably the best club to go to sober i like it when its not packed to the rafter ↲
8) I agree with u on the charging to get a lift home but we're not all mangey f**ckers just because we dont spend our money on destroying our liver.

luckylucky

unreggd wrote: »

In Ireland: You're a fvckin weirdo!!

Any other country in the world: Whatever....

Ireland more so yeah, but in most of western society tbh. It's really a sign of how a non-essential and often very destructive poisonous substance has woven itself so deep into soceity that's viewed as somehow essential and you're a wierdo for not taking part.

I'm at the age where I don't give 2 fks really what other people think tbh. My response to those who ask why I don't drink is that I drunk enough in 21 years to last me the rest of my lifetime.

Deoir

TheInquisitor wrote: »

The reason people don't like non drinkers is

1). They are normally very boring , don't get involved with the group and have fun etc

2) They go home early because their "tired"

3) The next morning they tell you all the stupid things you did the night before. Possibly the most annoying thing ever!!

4) They go dancing less than a person that has been drinkin.

5) They are less likely to go back to mad house parties and also less likely to throw wild house parties

6) They are unlikely to score on a night out.

7) Did i say they are ridiculously boring?

I have done the whole no drinkin thing on a night out about 15-20 times. I made the effort to stay out the whole night and went dancing etc. Didn't charge my friends for driving them home because thats what FRIENDS do for all you cheapskates out there. And for people that know limerick i went sober to the lodge about 10 times. I deserve a medal i know.

8) Oh ya non-drinkers are normally cheap mangey feckers.

And they are the reasons why i normally run a mile when i meet a non drinker.

***Please note, this poster annoyed me, hence the rant below


1) I'm nearly always the one suggesting a game of twister in my place at 3am coming out of a club, it's the people falling around the place that don't feel up to it cos they've overdone it.

2) Very rarely happens with me. I'm a firm believer in naps. If you can't have one before you go out, have one the next day after work. But unlike some people I can still go to work and be productive cos my head isn't "wrecked"

3) I'm a firm believer in "unless someone asks, don't say". I've done some stupid things in my time, I haven't had "I was drunk" to use as an excuse (as if it would explain climbing on a fence and singing about invading France) and I've been reminded of these stupid things plenty of times. The people that bring things up first are always given out to, just cos non drinkers get back the ability to speak faster than the people that drank to kill brain cells doesn't mean that they are trying to make you feel stupid. You did the stupid thing, face up to it, someone is going to mention it sooner or later.

4) I have a good few friends that don't drink, for one reason or another. The last time we were all together I don't think that we were off the dance floor for the night.

5) See point number 1. My place is always good for the après club, there is always something there, be it diet coke, wine or Belgian beer as well as an array of silly movies / games.

6) Any time I've gone out to score, I always have.

7) Did I say that you're ridiculously up your own pint?

I have never asked anyone for money if I've given them a lift home. I always park and make sure that they are in their house before I leave and I always make sure that they close the door behind them. I have found fivers stuffed in my car the next day after refusing to take money off people, I make a point of using that money to get ice cream or something for the next time I call over to that person’s house.

8) I have seen people declare that they are so broke, they snuck a naggin into the club cos they couldn't afford to drink in there. Then shamelessly flirt with people that they wouldn't give the light of day to normally so that they will buy them more drink. I'd much rather just spend my €10 - €15 on a few diet cokes, lucosades and the odd shirley temple and keep my dignity.

lasair

I prefer not to be wasted and enjoy the night....People at home here do slag me over it on nght off "you would want to get off that water it doesn suit you" and stuff like that...
At least I remember what I did last night and dont feel like a train wreck the following day..

VinnyTGM

I don't care what people think when I tell them, but most of the time they keep asking thinking that you are messing with them which is really annoying.
And as above not drinking usually does mean less friends.

Funny down the line some of these alcoholics will have all sort's of trouble with their liver's and such.

Smokeymurphy

Non drinker and drinkers can be both equally as boring and annoying, its like two sides of a coin really.
Not really much point in arguing, especially when 85% of this country drink, and also if you were to question a drunk person about drinking they'd for some reason want to start a fight?

I don't drink myself, at all.
I used to drink a few years back but got bored, went to the gym, ate healthy, drank green teas and what have you, a year later after doing that every week, I had 2 pints out of curiosity and the whole "you're Irish, its in your culture to drink!!"and my stomach turned! Since then I just dont see the point,
I think the pub is one of the most depressing places to be, its dark, smells and you have the lonely drunk men with the Guinness at the bar eyeballing any girl that walks past,including 16 year olds.

I don't mind people drinking, I still go out and I surprised myself when I got up onto the dance floor, I found that if you have a drink in your hand that you will rarely get asked about drinking, just get a soda water and sip on it, pretend its Vodka, im able to blend into the people around me, if everyone is getting drunk and stupid I can simply follow along with the banter till it reaches the point where everyone you have a conversation with is like "hEy mAN......ugh,,,I loVe yOu mAn, ......fart" (pint falls over, friend stares at it for a few minutes while you think to yourself, "im hungry, I may just leave")

When people ask me why I don't drink I just say "im going for the healthy option"
"no, no seriously!" "bla bla bla"
I hate the whole, "I respect that, I wish I could give up drinking (gulp of a beer)"

From my experience of nights out drinking and not, I can have equal amounts of fun and not be a burden to anyone, sure I safe a fortune!!

Seriously though, its not the whole drinking thing that's the problem, this country is very flawed in general,its the attitude of us people. I find most to be very insecure with themselves, some feel threatened about non drinkers, which usually springs up random posts from people who drink to slag non drinkers or anyone who does not agree with their lifestyle choice, I think there was evidence of that a few pages back :rolleyes:

Shmee

Smokeymurphy - nice post. Im the very same.

Your idea that there is alot of insecurity in Ireland is spot on. I came back from a trip to New York there a couple weeks ago and my god i forgot how unsettled people here are. In the states everybody is so sure of themselves and are very easy to talk to. Here though.... i duno... every1 seems to think there constantly being judged and try (often desperately) to be funny or something.

People..... grow a pair, relax, be sure of urself and enjoy life. . . and chase long term happyness.... not short term.

Oh and Gym ftw

nahboisk

Yea i always get the same thing mainly the asking if I had a problem?!!

I just didnt like the feeling of being drunk and the inevitable hangover plus i only recently found out my intolerance to gluten which explains a lot as i was a beer drinker but having not drank for this long I will not go back I am the first up after a big party, generally the last top bed (after normally cleaning the house so as not to do it the next day) and i hardly ever miss a night out with friends.

I have one or two friends who get the whole thing but a few who repeatedly bring me a drink from the bar and say ah come on just the one Ive never seen you drinking. I just dont get why some people feel its a big deal not to drink. its kinda like not being a smoker.