We need a word similar to “asexual” to mean “not interested in alcohol.” Every time I say “just water for me, thanks” while others are ordering alcoholic drinks, I feel the need to explain. I feel like people either think I’m avoiding alcohol because I have an addiction to or similar problem with it (I don’t), or because I’m morally opposed to it and am thus quietly judging them (I’m not). It’s just that alcohol does not do anything fun for me, the way it CLEARLY does for most people. All it does is make me tired, and a bit ill. Not any particular fun at all. So I’ll occasionally sip a drink just for the nice taste of it (assuming it’s the sort that actually tastes nice), but I don’t *drink* drink. Just not that into it.
So, yeah, it’d be nice to have a single word to describe that, so I could say, “I’m a-intoxicant” (or whatever) in explanation instead of having to give the entire above paragraph every time.
So, yeah, it’d be nice to have a single word to describe that, so I could say, “I’m a-intoxicant” (or whatever) in explanation instead of having to give the entire above paragraph every time.
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- (Anonymous) : Labels Aren't Necessary! [+1]
Comments
I used to use the word teetotaler, but that got into the perceived judg-y category you mentioned. A social dodge I've used in the past: "I'm not much of a beer|wine|whatever drinker" which implies that "I am an alcohol consumer just like you, but this just isn't my drink" which seems socially acceptable. Too bad it's not truthful as well.
Now that I'm older, I have less f...cares to give about it. I just order my water and drink confidently, and that seems to be acceptable. Not sure if it's water vs. a more "childish" drink, but not feeling self conscious about it maybe helps not call attention to it in the first place.
I personally love alcohol. I love the taste of most kinds, I like attending beer and wine festivals to see what's new and interesting and I like discerning the difference between the ones I try and learning about how they're made. I like the geography, history, the culture and the romantic aspects of it. I also really like yoga. For much the same reasons as I like alcohol: how it feels, the history, the culture, the different kinds, etc. I also really dislike crafting. I don't have the patience and I get no pleasure from it. However, I think if someone assigned me a label for either the doing or not doing of these activities, I'd be right pissed.
I think when someone offers you a drink, they're not pushing alcohol, they're just asking if you want something to sip on. It could be a strawberry milkshake or scotch and soda. Either one is fine with your host, they're just trying to be polite. (well, unless they don't have the ingredients, then that could cause a problem).
And if someone does give you a hard time, tell them to go back to high school.