Groups for young non-drinkers?

mala tae

Hi there,

I'm a 21 year old non-drinker studying in NUI Galway. Six months ago, after much deliberation, I decided to give up alcohol. It is a decision that I am very happy with, but I have now encountered a bit of a problem.

My girlfriend of nearly three years is meeting me in a couple of days, seemingly with the intention of breaking up with me. After a few tough days, I've dusted myself off, but it's got me thinking about problems I may face.

I'm not a fan of nightclubs, and wouldn't be the most confident at chatting up women even with alcohol. To be honest, I feel like it's just not my scene. I also find people very unsympathetic to drinkers in general, and I feel it may hold me back. I also have found it difficult in recent years to make a breakthrough in the line of making friends, unless there's a few drinks involved. I want to make new friends, but not with drink. I do not want to cut myself off from the world just because I don't like alcohol. I feel this would be easier in a more sympathetic environment.

I was looking to find a group for younger people who do not drink. To my surprise, there seems to be nothing within the college for people like me. I don't consider myself overly religious. I am a bit, but I believe that being religious would be a pretty central part of the Pioneer association, which is geared more towards people older than me anyway. I'm not THAT different to most lads outside of the fact that I don't drink.

So basically, I would like to meet people my age who are like me in this regard. Am I asking for too much?

tealcottage

Start with attending the non drinking activities that you enjoy. Always a good spot to meet new friends and away from drink.