I haven’t touched alcohol since Christmas, and prior to that, it was Halloween. My last drink before that was LAST summer. The longer I stay away from wine, the more I perceive it as toxic to my body. I’ve completely stopped drinking.
My wine-loving friends might be shocked to hear this, but that’s not a reflection of their drinking habits—let’s be kind! During high school, I observed my peers at parties, where the thrill of the moment would eventually lead to tears, brawls, and unfortunate mishaps (like someone throwing up in a washing machine). Witnessing these events steered me away from drinking for a long time. I faced ridicule for my choice—wasn’t I just being pretentious for not joining in?
As senior year approached, curiosity and peer pressure finally led me to indulge in drinking. I threw myself into a lifestyle marked by excessive drinking and its subsequent consequences. I have stories filled with reckless adventures fueled by alcohol: flashing bartenders for free drinks, swimming in alligator-infested waters at night, and landing a prime spot at a strip club on Bourbon Street.
However, I also faced the darkness that can accompany alcohol, including relationships with alcoholic partners that taught me about codependency. With a family history of alcoholism, I consider myself fortunate not to have suffered more severe consequences from my experiences with alcohol. When my experimental phase ended, I was able to step away from it all.
As I transitioned into adulthood, I distanced myself from the party culture of my college days, naturally reducing my alcohol intake. Abstaining during pregnancies and while nursing further limited my consumption. For years, I enjoyed a couple of glasses of wine in the evenings or during celebrations with neighbors, but that changed about two years ago when I began writing more frequently.
Writing at night while my children slept made me realize that I couldn’t produce my best work with a foggy head. I traded my evening glass of wine for pouring my creativity into words. Over time, I lost my taste for wine and the way it made me feel. I discovered that I don’t enjoy intentionally impairing my judgment. Life feels daunting enough without substances clouding my mind.
As someone who often speaks before thinking, I found that alcohol only exacerbated my tendency to say the wrong thing. I didn’t want to come off as rude or unkind, especially in social settings. Just the thought of a wine list makes me feel hungover, and I’ve zero interest in sacrificing more days to self-inflicted suffering.
Eliminating alcohol has positively influenced my mood stability, leaving me to tackle only the challenges of PMS. I’ve learned that I can unwind without a drink in hand, and it turns out, putting my feet up without a glass of wine is just as relaxing. Navigating social situations without alcohol has been liberating, as I face my awkwardness head-on instead of reaching for a drink to numb it.
At thirty-five, peer pressure has shifted from being overt to more subtle. At gatherings, having a drink feels like a social requirement, and people often offer me one, surprised when I decline. Friends assume I’m joking when I mention my non-alcoholic choices. It’s challenging to assert my preference without feeling like I’m back in high school, where abstaining was often misinterpreted as judgment towards others.
The significant difference now is my attitude. In my youth, I craved acceptance; today, I genuinely don’t care if someone thinks I’m less cool for not drinking. Moreover, my relationships are no longer influenced by such dynamics.
In today’s culture, the “mommy needs her sippy cup” phenomenon seems prevalent, sometimes humorously exaggerated. While some abstain for religious or health reasons, I wonder about those like myself, who simply prefer a life without alcohol. Is there anyone else out there who opts for a non-alcoholic lifestyle?
For more on this topic, you might find it helpful to check out this post on artificial insemination. Also, if you’re considering home insemination, this resource provides excellent information. For those interested in fertility kits, this site is an authority on the topic.
In summary, while I no longer participate in drinking culture, I feel more confident in my choices and social interactions. By embracing my decision to abstain from alcohol, I’m finding fulfillment and connection on my own terms.
Leave a Reply