Posted 5/1/2011 1:15 AM (GMT 0)
It's hard to be a non-drinker. People just don't understand. I'm 26 which means I'm not only the only non-drinker that I know, I'm also the only non-smoker that I know.
Sometimes people get really offended when others in their group don't drink. I've got in trouble with my co-workers/boss for not participating in drinking events because I know I'll be forced to drink at said events. It's not uncommon for people to get fired for refusing to drink alcohol but somehow I manage to get away with it, it just requires a lot of tact. What usually works for me is telling them that I really want to drink but I physically can't drink. Sometimes I just lie and tell them I have liver problems and alcohol is like poison to me.
My solution these days has just been to go out anyway and if other people get too drunk then I leave. Meeting new people helps too, I'm trying to meet friends who like to go mountain climbing on the weekends rather than get sloshed.