Novelty of Drink has worn off for me - when is it acceptable not to drink

I remember when I was a young fella 15-17 legally too young for drinking the thought was knacker drinking great craic etc. But I realize now the real reason I enjoyed it was because it seemed like the "adult" thing to do. Also at that age you are not supposed to drink.
Then when I reached the age I could legally drink it was fun for a while because it was still a novelty.
But as I got into my late twenties the novelty wore off. Also the hangovers got worse!

Now I just enjoy the occasional pint (one pint every week or so) with my dinner. I used to have a pint with my dinner everyday but the medication made me change that.
I was recently at a family do and was delighted to be able to use the excuse that I was on medication at the time so couldn't drink. Then none would be put in front of me.
The response to me was oh I feel your pain etc. Which amused me. I knew that if I said I don't want any drink at all really I would be looked at like I had two heads!

It seems to me there are only three/four reasons in Ireland that you can opt out of an alcoholic drink:

1) Your on medication
2) Your pregnant
3) Your a recovering alcoholic
4) Your driving (this is dubious because even then you might be told ah sure one or two is no harm)

If you say you not feel like drinking and have gone off it people will say go away outta that don't be such a dry shyte have a few.

I noticed that when you are the sober person surrounded by drunk people they are not as much fun as they claim to be. The talk ends up turning to complete nonsense and if the sober person does not talk the same level of nonsense they are labelled no craic!:rolleyes:

I am not sure where I stand now as I only enjoy an occasional pint with my dinner. In an Irish sense I would not be classed as a "drinker".

Also I never had an addiction to drink where I would need a drink and all this talk.

I am wondering whether I should bother with it at all?

I feel like I am either an al a carte drinker or an al a carte non drinker!