Have a bad day? A glass of wine can fix that.
Celebrating something? Beers with friends are in order.
It’s Tuesday? A margarita goes with that taco.
We are a drinking culture. But as a non-drinker, I often feel left out.
Whenever I meet new people, I have to “come out” as a nondrinker. It should be no big deal, but I’ve had some really intense responses. Everything from people encouraging me to just try it one time to prying questions about addiction. Once someone congratulated me on being pregnant simply because I declined a glass of wine. There are a number of reasons why I don’t drink, but I don’t owe anyone an explanation.
There are a lot of questions when an adult turns down a drink, especially in Wisconsin.
It’s easy to “forget” an adult who doesn’t drink. Remember the feeling when you were a kid and everyone gets invited somewhere but you don’t? This is the adult equivalent. I believe people are trying protect me from a potentially uncomfortable position of being around booze. But I am an adult responsible for my own decisions. If I am not in the mood to be around alcohol, I will simply decline the offer. I always appreciate being included. Everyone does.
In business settings, people don’t know what to do with me as a nondrinker. I used to feel really self-conscious about ordering a Diet Coke when everyone else was ordering a “real drink.” I’m a frequent business traveler and I receive free drink coupons from my airline every few weeks. I’ve called three times to ask them to halt the coupons. They won’t. As time passes, I care less what other people think. I am becoming more comfortable with who am and why I make the choices I do.
Do you know a mama who doesn’t drink?
Great. Invite her places anyway. Make sure to tell her there will be drinking. Let her make the decisions for her. Don’t pry as to why she doesn’t drink. She will tell you when or if she’s ready.
Even though she doesn’t drink she’s probably pretty fun and likes to be included. I know I do.
as a fellow non drinker to another – as well as a fellow City Moms Blogger (Dallas), you can hang out and not drink with me anytime. We can start a new trend. Kristi
It can feel so isolating, especially in Wisconsin! I have about 1-2 drinks a year and definitely feel like a weirdo, so it is really good to know I am not alone. Thank you for this post. <3
I don’t drink either. No real reason behind it; I just don’t see the appeal for me personally. It’s weird to me that people try to justify why or try and push it on us (oh come on just have one!). I prefer my Diet Coke as well. ????