Can you celebrate without drinking?

blackcard · 23-07-2019 5:57pm #1

I like a drink myself, puts me in a good humour and I will even join in a song when I am merry. But watching the Shane Lowry celebrations, is it possible to celebrate without drinking? You could have a meal or a sing song but it is hard to imagine grown men celebrating for longer than 2 hours without drink being involved. And the idea of carrying on the celebrations with the same people the next day without drink is also hard to imagine. I think as a nation we are afraid to express ourselves without drink loosening us up but we are setting a poor example to kids. I think Padraig Harrington drinks very little and would not have drank mutch after winning his titles but he was an exception to the rule.
Thoughts?

biko · 23-07-2019 6:03pm

Yes you can.

Arghus · 23-07-2019 6:04pm

Yes you can.

23-07-2019 6:04pm

It has been documented in the annals of history.

hatrickpatrick · 23-07-2019 6:04pm

I can, but I may be unusual in finding being the one sober lad among a crowd of drunken folks hilariously good fun.

Having said that, I do tend to drink a lot, but if for whatever reason I can't on a particular night I end up having a totally different but still great kind of fun being surrounded by drunks.

anacc · 23-07-2019 6:06pm

No, no I can’t.

_blaaz · 23-07-2019 6:06pm

I can anyway,and most my nights out etc involve me not drinking

But most my mates would be heavy drinkers though and would admit they couldnt

branie2 · 23-07-2019 6:12pm

I'd imagine you could

Woodsie1 · 23-07-2019 6:13pm

You could but its more fun after a few ice cold pints,especially on a day like today.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1 · 23-07-2019 6:14pm

I could if I really had to.

paw patrol · 23-07-2019 6:14pm

i wouldn't want too

Edgware · 23-07-2019 6:16pm

blackcard wrote: »

I like a drink myself, puts me in a good humour and I will even join in a song when I am merry. But watching the Shane Lowry celebrations, is it possible to celebrate without drinking? You could have a meal or a sing song but it is hard to imagine grown men celebrating for longer than 2 hours without drink being involved. And the idea of carrying on the celebrations with the same people the next day without drink is also hard to imagine. I think as a nation we are afraid to express ourselves without drink loosening us up but we are setting a poor example to kids. I think Padraig Harrington drinks very little and would not have drank mutch after winning his titles but he was an exception to the rule.
Thoughts?

Will someone please think of the children?

Butterface · 23-07-2019 6:17pm

For me, the level of drink consumed (if any) depends on what is being celebrated.

Celebrating a sporting event (especially after attending said event, or at least watching it in the pub), yeah I would probably drink at that. But it would have to be a final or some other momentous result.

When you're out celebrating an event like that people get generous, rounds get bought, and we run away with ourselves. I don't think we all end up going out expecting to get utterly sh*tfaced!!

23-07-2019 6:19pm

I could if everyone else was drunk. However I wouldn't want to put myself in an extended social situation without some red wine or cold beer.

freshpopcorn · 23-07-2019 6:22pm

It depends on what you call celebrating. To some people it's meeting up for a nice meal and to others it's being pissed dancing around with the legs of your pants rolled up.

mad muffin · 23-07-2019 6:24pm

Of course…

The Cool · 23-07-2019 6:26pm

Growing up protestant, we celebrated everything with tea and Victoria sponge, so

Rowley Birkin QC · 23-07-2019 6:27pm

Deleted User wrote: »

It has been documented in the annals of history.

Lies

whisky_galore · 23-07-2019 6:37pm

Sure you can, in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait..

Hammer89 · 23-07-2019 6:37pm

blackcard wrote: »

I like a drink myself, puts me in a good humour and I will even join in a song when I am merry. But watching the Shane Lowry celebrations, is it possible to celebrate without drinking? You could have a meal or a sing song but it is hard to imagine grown men celebrating for longer than 2 hours without drink being involved. And the idea of carrying on the celebrations with the same people the next day without drink is also hard to imagine. I think as a nation we are afraid to express ourselves without drink loosening us up but we are setting a poor example to kids. I think Padraig Harrington drinks very little and would not have drank mutch after winning his titles but he was an exception to the rule. ?

He celebrates by eating butter.

FFred · 23-07-2019 6:39pm

freshpopcorn wrote: »

.... to others it's being pissed dancing around with the legs of your pants rolled up.

Whilst whooping and shouting ‘gerrup ya boya’ ....

SEPT 23 1989 · 23-07-2019 6:58pm

Harrington could do with a good drink

23-07-2019 8:36pm

I've said this before, but we're probably all in the same boat and it might be something worth trying.

I have alcoholic relatives, and every year I do a month or so of no drinking, just to make sure I'm still not an alcoholic. You'd think "you'd know if you're an alcoholic", but no. Speak to an alcoholic, denial is a real thing, as fascinating as it is powerful.

I NEVER do Dry January, because so many people do it, it's almost too easy a challenge. If you have alcoholism in your family (so many of us do), and you're a regular drinker, then maybe give yourself a month off during the year.

I've chosen my month this year as September, when there will be no holidays or weddings. It can be a useful litmus-test if you're ever at all worried about your genes and any tendencies within them, but don't quite want to give up (culturally) normal levels of drinking

Graces7 · 24-07-2019 7:40am

Yes and it is far more vivid and meaningful sober. Thankfully I cannot drink alcohol as with my illness it is dangerous. Far happier than the years before.

corner of hells · 24-07-2019 7:43am

freshpopcorn wrote: »

It depends on what you call celebrating. To some people it's meeting up for a nice meal and to others it's being pissed dancing around with the legs of your pants rolled up.

You were at that wedding too ?

ShyMets · 24-07-2019 8:59am

I once meet someone who told me that you could. But I didn't believe him. I think he was drunk

suicide_circus · 24-07-2019 9:14am

i can but its like going to a steakhouse and ordering the Caesar salad. Why would you have something less good?

Greyfox · 24-07-2019 9:31am

suicide_circus wrote: »

i can but its like going to a steakhouse and ordering the Caesar salad. Why would you have something less good?

Exactly. It's possible to celebrate without drink but its ALWAYS better with drink

kikilarue2 · 24-07-2019 9:38am

suicide_circus wrote: »

i can but its like going to a steakhouse and ordering the Caesar salad. Why would you have something less good?

Greyfox wrote: »

Exactly. It's possible to celebrate without drink but its ALWAYS better with drink

That's categorically not true.

If you're with people whose company you truly enjoy, you can have side-splitting laughter and banter at a very similar level.

On the flip side, when drink is involved it's far more likely that there will be a row or a bit of drama, someone will end up crying or losing their phone or getting sick.

Someone sarcastically mentioned Muslim countries above, but it was a real wake up call for me at 22 when I moved to the Middle East and saw young people going into nightclubs and dancing and having the craic sober, going to weddings and enjoying the celebrations, seeing extended families spend Friday evenings together at the park.

Think back to going to discos in your teens before you drank - the excitement of it. You didn't need drink to enjoy the night then and you likely don't now either - you've just spent so long doing it that way you can't remember what it was like before.

ohnonotgmail · 24-07-2019 9:58am

kikilarue2 wrote: »

That's categorically not true.

If you're with people whose company you truly enjoy, you can have side-splitting laughter and banter at a very similar level.

On the flip side, when drink is involved it's far more likely that there will be a row or a bit of drama, someone will end up crying or losing their phone or getting sick.

Someone sarcastically mentioned Muslim countries above, but it was a real wake up call for me at 22 when I moved to the Middle East and saw young people going into nightclubs and dancing and having the craic sober, going to weddings and enjoying the celebrations, seeing extended families spend Friday evenings together at the park.

Think back to going to discos in your teens before you drank - the excitement of it. You didn't need drink to enjoy the night then and you likely don't now either - you've just spent so long doing it that way you can't remember what it was like before.

perhaps you need to be drinking with a better class of people if that is your experience.

kikilarue2 · 24-07-2019 10:04am

ohnonotgmail wrote: »

perhaps you need to be drinking with a better class of people if that is your experience.

I haven't touched a drop in five years, because alcohol doesn't suit me at all.

Are you saying that generally you think people are equally or less likely to cause drama sober than when they are drunk?

I've found people are more likely to get into a silly row over something small, drink too much and end up unwell (this rarely happens with tea or 7up), sleep with someone they might not otherwise...

Greyfox · 24-07-2019 10:13am

kikilarue2 wrote: »

That's categorically not true.

If you're with people whose company you truly enjoy, you can have side-splitting laughter and banter at a very similar level.

Of course its true, its silly to suggest otherwise. It's why drink it is so popular. Fact is drink puts Irish people in a better mood and makes them more fun to be around.

ohnonotgmail · 24-07-2019 10:16am

kikilarue2 wrote: »

I haven't touched a drop in five years, because alcohol doesn't suit me at all.

Are you saying that generally you think people are equally or less likely to cause drama sober than when they are drunk?

I've found people are more likely to get into a silly row over something small, drink too much and end up unwell (this rarely happens with tea or 7up), sleep with someone they might not otherwise...

i'm sure some people are but i find it best to not associate with people like that. it is entirely possible to go out drinking without causing drama.

JohnnyFlash · 24-07-2019 10:20am

You could I suppose, but why take the chance?

Getting drunk is great fun.

kikilarue2 · 24-07-2019 10:23am

ohnonotgmail wrote: »

i'm sure some people are but i find it best to not associate with people like that. it is entirely possible to go out drinking without causing drama.

Of course you can go out and have great nights on the last without any drama or hassle. And I have had some amazing nights drinking.

But I've also seen the incredible damage it can do. So overall, I'd love if Irish people embraced more non-drinking celebrations. I'm not a prohibitionist like, but I can see the clear benefits of teaching young people you don't need to be ****faced to have the craic.

Assetbacked · 24-07-2019 10:25am

Having a nice drink and being merry is a great way to unwind and loosen up. Getting tipsy then makes it merrier. Getting hammered is where it should not be socially acceptable.

suicide_circus · 24-07-2019 10:33am

kikilarue2 wrote: »

I haven't touched a drop in five years, because alcohol doesn't suit me at all.

there is none more zealous than a convert

JohnnyFlash · 24-07-2019 10:38am

suicide_circus wrote: »

there is none more zealous than a convert

Doesn’t sound very zealous to me. Just telling us he doesn’t drink because it doesn’t suit him. Very common here in Ireland. Lots of lads can’t handle their drink. Some lads shouldn’t start, and other lads can’t stop.

kikilarue2 · 24-07-2019 10:41am

suicide_circus wrote: »

there is none more zealous than a convert

I'm not zealous at all, I have nothing against people going out having a good time. I regularly socialise in pubs. But I've lived in other countries that have a much healthier approach to alcohol and to celebrations.

I have no problem with alcohol as part of some celebrations, but I do think the level we take it to in Ireland is extreme; a Christening, a toddler's birthday and a Communion are three occasions I've seen alcohol served at where it really didn't seem appropriate or necessary.

And I've seen the devastation alcohol-related problems can have on families - I hope you never have to deal with that. I have a friend who went to jail for accidentally killing his best friend drunk driving.

The idea that you need to be drunk to enjoy yourself isn't healthy. You didn't need alcohol as a kid or a young teen, you don't need it now either.

suicide_circus · 24-07-2019 10:42am

no not very zealous but i've heard the term "dosnt suit him" as a euphemism for "raging alcoholic"

hgfj · 24-07-2019 10:43am

ohnonotgmail wrote: »

perhaps you need to be drinking with a better class of people if that is your experience.

The more people drink, the drunker they get. The drunker they get, the more likely they are to talk sh*t, throw up, fall down, etc. Nothing to do with class really.

kikilarue2 · 24-07-2019 10:45am

suicide_circus wrote: »

no not very zealous but i've heard the term "dosnt suit him" as a euphemism for "raging alcoholic"

For a start, I'm not a 'he'. I hate to go all "don't misgender me" but Kiki is fairly obviously a female handle

It sounds like you're a bit defensive about your own attitude to drinking tbh. All i'm saying is we should make an effort to show young people it's possible to have fun without alcohol - hardly an extreme point of view?

24-07-2019 10:48am

with a cake. and maybe a bouncy castle

Utter Consternation · 24-07-2019 10:48am

sugarman wrote: »

I gave up drinking a few years ago on health grounds and I still find I can go out celebrating without a drink no bother.

Its just when it gets to the latter stages of the night when everyone starts to become a bit messy / incoherent / no longer able to hold a proper conversation that kills the buzz and I lose interest. Its usually the decider on when I call it a night.

Ahhhh, the witching hour. When people start slurring their speech and repeating the same fcuking stories over and over again.

Nothing worse.

suicide_circus · 24-07-2019 10:50am

kikilarue2 wrote: »

For a start, I'm not a 'he'. I hate to go all "don't misgender me" but Kiki is fairly obviously a female handle

It sounds like you're a bit defensive about your own attitude to drinking tbh. All i'm saying is we should make an effort to show young people it's possible to have fun without alcohol - hardly an extreme point of view?

the only kiki i ever knew was a man called killian. and certainly i'm no kind of role model to young people in any respect.

martingriff · 24-07-2019 10:50am

suicide_circus wrote: »

no not very zealous but i've heard the term "dosnt suit him" as a euphemism for "raging alcoholic"

Very judgemental of you there. I know a lot of people who do not drink for various reason as it does not suit them from it makes them sick to they have no tolerance in how quick it makes them drunk. I had not seen anything about been a zealous. Your posts are very judgemental and not tolerant of peoples choices.

In relation to the question I have had great night sober and in the drink. Could I celebrate more then 2 days in a row I don't know. I hope I can

suicide_circus · 24-07-2019 10:54am

martingriff wrote: »

Very judgemental of you there.

oh get over it

martingriff · 24-07-2019 11:00am

suicide_circus wrote: »

oh get over it

Just pointing out there can be various reason people do not drink without been an zealot anti drink

ohnonotgmail · 24-07-2019 11:13am

martingriff wrote: »

Very judgemental of you there. I know a lot of people who do not drink for various reason as it does not suit them from it makes them sick to they have no tolerance in how quick it makes them drunk. I had not seen anything about been a zealous. Your posts are very judgemental and not tolerant of peoples choices.

In relation to the question I have had great night sober and in the drink. Could I celebrate more then 2 days in a row I don't know. I hope I can

suicide_circus is referring to a very specific use of the phrase "the drink doesnt suit him" as a euphamism for somebody who turns into a complete bollix when they get locked.

martingriff · 24-07-2019 11:19am

ohnonotgmail wrote: »

suicide_circus is referring to a very specific use of the phrase "the drink doesnt suit him" as a euphamism for somebody who turns into a complete bollix when they get locked.

And if he does not drink due to that I applaud him. That is not what suicide_circus was referring to. He was referring to an over zealous anti drinker.

Tony EH · 24-07-2019 11:31am

The Cool wrote: »

Growing up protestant, we celebrated everything with tea and Victoria sponge, so

Nothing says celebration like a nice cup of tea and a slice of cake.

Can you celebrate without drinking?

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