Can you count the amount of people in your life that never drank? My guess is that you probably can considering that there aren’t many of us. Yes, I say us because you can add me to that list of people. I recently came across this blog, “It’s OK That I Don’t Drink. It’s Not OK That You Ask Why“, and it kind of inspired me. I wouldn’t exactly say that I find it bothersome to ask me why but since I am one of the few people that never have drank, it’s interesting to write about my experience. If you could call it, “an experience.”

If you didn’t know, I am not a drinker, never have been and confidently can say, never will be. No, I don’t smoke (anything) and never have either. For this blog, I am going to focus on the drinking aspect though. Ever since I was at the age when people started to drink, I have always gotten the overly surprised “really!? why!?”, when I tell people I don’t drink. More so when I was younger I’ve even gotten the “that’s weird” response. Which you know what, being in high school as someone that didn’t drink, I guess I can see where they were coming from since that was a rarity. I always found it interesting when people would back up their comments or facial expressions with “good for you though.” I always give a cheerful “thank you”, even though I don’t find it necessary to say that it’s good for me. I don’t mean to come off rude when I say that, it’s just sometimes I can really tell when people are saying it, just to say it because they just called me weird for something I don’t do.

I’ve never felt the pressure to have a drink, or even a sip. I will say that I have tasted a couple; champagne, Bud Light, Shock Top, and an IPA. And when I tell you I “tasted” them, you know when you take a sip from a can and you have the leftover around the rim? Yeah, that’s literally the amount I’ve consumed in my 24 years. My first try was an IPA, I brought home from the Montauk Brewery. I spent my 21st birthday out in Montauk and even though I don’t drink, I thought it would be fun to try out the ID test. Turns out, it failed… I didn’t get ID’d. But it was fun to still try!

I am the kind of person that loves to try new things. I like to say, you should always try something once but this is different for me. I have never had a hangover, never threw up because of a night out, never had an embarrassing moment due to not having control of myself. I am embarrassing enough as myself so that’s good enough for me, haha. I know some people have the best stories from a drunken night, and trust me, I love hearing about a good alcohol induced tale. This is also doesn’t mean that I don’t go out. I don’t go out as much as I use to when I was younger but I have been out with people while they drank. That’s something that also comes along with not drinking. People assume that you’re probably boring, and you know what? I might be, I don’t know! But just because I may be the only sober one, it doesn’t ruin my time and I don’t let it ruin others!

Let me tell you a little story about an alcohol related night for me! In high school, Taco Bell’s parking lot was the spot on the weekends. Every weekend we would go and hang out. Everyone would drink Four Lokos and smoke… those were the days. One of my most fond memories was getting chased around the parking lot. I’m not lying, CHASED around the parking lot because I didn’t take a sip of I-don’t-know-what out of a Taco Bell cup… I know, you’re probably thinking, why did you run? Well, I was in high school so I was over dramatic about things, for one. Also, when you have someone forcing a cup to your mouth that you don’t want and they refuse to stop, you start backing away, a little faster and faster. It slowly progressed into a run. It was ridiculous, but it is something I will never forget.

I’ve gotten asked time and time again, why? Why don’t I drink? I have a few different reasons. I don’t think I’m old enough for people to assume I’m recovering or anything like that, so I guess I have to have other reasons, right? I don’t think they are important but I don’t see a reason to hide them either. So if you are curious… here we go!

• For one, drinking is an addiction, and addiction slightly runs in my family. I’m sure that I could pick up on the same traits and that’s not a risk that I want to take on myself.
• Of the couple things I have tasted, they were each disgusting. I’ve heard people say they don’t drink for the taste, they drink for the feeling but I don’t want to feel not in control. I don’t want to feel that kind of mindset. I know there are fruity and sugary drinks that I could try but why bother? There are so many non-alcoholic drinks that are sweet that I can’t get enough of!
• I don’t see a reason to put myself through a morning/day of not feeling well. I get migraines and feel sickly from time to time, I don’t need a reason to purposely put myself through that. The rare occasion that I do throw up is enough for me. I can’t imagine expecting to wake up feeling crappy… not a fan.
• I really don’t see the appeal in not having control of myself. I do believe that you should know yourself, know your limit but you know what? Some people don’t know their limit, and I don’t need to be one of those people.
• Lastly, I have also lost someone close to me due to alcoholism… I’ve always said that’s not a reason that I don’t drink but I’m sure it weighs into it. It is a really personal topic of discussion, especially depending on how emotional I am feeling that day.

This isn’t something I really talk about unless I am asked about drinking so it is kind of nice to get my thoughts out. Drinking is definitely enjoyable for people, and I don’t knock them for it. I just don’t care for it! With Christmas coming to an end and the New Year days away, I thought this would be a good time to get this blog out there! I hope you guys enjoy this read and this gives you a little bit of insight into my life, and me.

I hope your holidays are amazing! And the New Year treats you well, hello 2020!

See ya,
Samm 🌻