Drinking Habits

A round of double shots

I admit that I enjoyed being a social drinker. A glass of wine over a pasta dinner. A Godiva martini at Cork 'n Cleaver. Shots when celebrating GNO. It was all in good fun. I do not require alcohol to have a good time, but admit to missing the taste of certain drinks, the soothing relaxing feeling, and experimenting with new drinks.

Not that I'm known for being a drinker, but I have a rep for being the gal who'll share a drink with most people. It can't be helped. I'm a social butterfly who has few limitations. Because of this, I've had several remarks made in the past 18 months about my non-alcoholic choices. Though I still go out for drinks with people, I now order sodas or water instead of my usual.

Typical behavior

I've had one individual ask me if I had become a teetotaler while another person wondered if I had a "problem." I find people's fascination over my decision to not drink curious. Other people in our social group do not imbibe alcohol, so why is it so startling that I order sodas rather than a kamikaze shot. Trust me, this decision impacts me more than others.

I was told the other week, for what felt like the millionth time, that I could have at least one drink. And this was from someone I respect. I typically explain that I'm on meds that have an adverse reaction to alcohol. Since I don't openly discuss my condition, people must think I mean something minor. Besides the FDA declaration that it is dangerous to mix minute amounts of alcohol with the meds, my reason for not drinking is more complex. Having a downer, like alcohol, in my system inches my brain closer to REM. Narcos slip into REM so quickly that we can do it while awake which triggers hallucinations. Considering that cough medicine has triggered some crazy hallucinations, I have no plans to drink anytime soon.

Shots and the Bucket
Jo's 30th Birthday

I understand that I'm the fun-time gal who is always good for a stop at the bar, but that isn't influenced by the drinks I order. I never required alcohol to flirt, have deep conversations, get up on stage and sing along or hit the dance floor. These are actions that I can do stone-cold sober. Call it a quirk, but I have a crazy uninhibited personality. So I will remain the good-time girl without the alcohol though I admit to missing a nice glass after work.