You know how some teens eagerly anticipate turning 21 so they can drink? Well, that wasn’t me. When I hit 21, alcohol wasn’t on my mind at all. Even now, as I approach 30, it’s still not something I think about frequently. At social events with open bars, I often find myself simply ordering a soda. It may seem surprising, especially considering I run an entertainment site called Popcorn and Tequila, but drinking has never been a significant part of my life.
A lot of this stems from my family’s relationship with alcohol. Before I was born, my father had a reputation for heavy drinking. I’m uncertain if he was an alcoholic, partly because I’m hesitant to ask. My mom once mentioned that he had a lot of kids because he would drink and then be with various women. That realization leads me to believe he might have had a problem. And just so you know, “various women” refers to his life before my mom.
I plan to ask him one day about it, but I don’t really need to—my family has a pattern of drinking issues. I’ve witnessed my uncles drinking excessively, and a cousin and half-brother exhibit what I would call alcoholic behaviors, even if no one admits it. Growing up, I was exposed to a lot of alcohol-induced chaos. Luckily, I was never harmed, but seeing the effects of alcohol on others was enough to make me cautious.
Given that alcoholism seems to “run in the family,” I tend to steer clear of it. Sure, I drink occasionally—like when I’m out with friends or celebrating a special occasion—but I rarely drink alone and never when I’m feeling down. With my family background and how easy it is to use substances to escape, I’m aware that alcohol won’t solve my problems. I’ve seen how stress can drive people to drink, and I’m determined not to follow that path.
To be completely honest, I still have a bottle of tequila that’s been sitting unopened for over a year. It’s not that it’s bad tequila—quite the opposite—but I just don’t feel the need to drink every day or simply because it’s there. So it sits, waiting for me to finally mix it with some lemonade.
Another reason for my alcohol avoidance is that it tends to make me feel sluggish. By the time my child is in bed and I might consider a glass of wine, I realize it’s not worth it—especially if I want to wake up on time the next morning. When my older brother teases me about that bottle of tequila still being full, I just shrug it off. He can make fun of me all he wants, but I’m not going to rush through it. In fact, the only reason it’s not completely full is that he helps himself when he visits. Ahem—the alcoholic tendencies run strong in our family.
I’m proud to say that, despite drinking occasionally, I’ve NEVER experienced a hangover. Yup, I’ve never been “drunk drunk.” I can go out, enjoy a drink, and recognize when it’s time to stop. That buzz that some people enjoy isn’t appealing to me; as soon as I sense it, I’m reaching for water and seeking out fresh air. I’ve even walked home from parties just to feel the cool air, and by the time I get home, I’m sober again.
I know my limits and respect them, regardless of what others think. Peer pressure can be tough, but I refuse to be swayed. That’s why, when it comes to why some people don’t drink, I just don’t see the need to question it.
Over my 20+ years on this planet, I’ve learned that everything happens for a reason, and so do people’s choices. It’s not my place to judge why some friends choose to drink while others don’t. You don’t have to be in recovery or struggle with addiction to abstain from alcohol. For many, drinking can lead to feelings of anger, anxiety, or fatigue, and not everyone enjoys the aftermath.
Some individuals may be dealing with unspoken family issues, and it’s important to respect their decisions. So, the next time someone opts not to drink, avoid giving them odd looks! Appreciate their strength to resist peer pressure and keep the conversation light. Don’t make it a big deal, and unless you’re close friends, don’t pry into their reasons—sometimes the answer is more complex than just “I don’t want to.”
For more insights into personal choices regarding drinking and family dynamics, check out this post here. Also, if you’re looking for more information on fertility, this fertility booster is a great resource. And for those interested in pregnancy and home insemination, The Center offers excellent information.
Summary
The author shares their experience with alcohol avoidance, rooted in their family’s history with drinking. While not an alcoholic, they recognize the potential risks and personal limitations surrounding alcohol consumption. They emphasize the importance of respecting individual choices regarding drinking and not judging others for their decisions.
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