When I say college, what is the first thing that pops into your head? Parties, right? Lots of drinking and crazy decisions?

What if I told you there are some college students that don’t drink? I know, that’s crazy, but it’s true. These students seem to be a rare phenomenon, but there are actually a lot of them. An astounding 40 percent of college students are not avid drinkers. Being one of them, I have experienced many misconceptions people believe about students who don’t drink. If you are a college student who chooses to stay sober, you have probably experienced these fallacies.

1. They’re “goodie-goodies”

I have been labeled “goodie-goodie," “childish," “innocent” and “pure” all because I choose sobriety. There is nothing distinctively wrong about these terms, but trust me, when people continuously remark on how innocent you are, it gets under your skin. I had a friend in high school that also was referred to in this way. Our other friends talked to us like we were below them, as though they were so mature because they drank. It felt like the stereotypical parent line: “you’ll understand when you’re older.” We found this equally amusing and frustrating. Somehow, we had found ourselves in the minority, a reality that only amplified when we went on to college.

2. They don’t drink because they don’t like the taste of alcohol

While this could very well be true, it is not often the reason people choose not to drink. I have friends who offer me sips of their drinks under the reasoning that “it doesn’t even taste like alcohol," but the taste doesn't matter to me. I know they mean well, but they just don’t understand that my choice to not drink has nothing to do with taste. It’s about principle. Everyone has their own personal reasons for not drinking. For some, it is a sensitive manner, so take care when bringing up this topic. For me, I see no need to alter my personality with a substance because I like who I am without alcohol. I can get a natural high without needing to down a few beers.

3. The mere sight of alcohol offends them

This is by far the belief that annoys me the most. People feel the need to warn me (multiple times) that there will be alcohol present when attending parties. Just for the record, I do realize that I live on a college campus. I understand that most people here drink. There is no need to remind me of that fact every time you invite me over. I honestly do not care if you all are drinking; it makes no difference to me.

4. They are silently judging you

I have been told that I have a “stick up my butt” when it comes to people drinking alcohol. Newsflash: I couldn't care less what you choose to put in your body. The decisions I make are for me. If you want to drink, that is your decision. Based on my experience, there is more judging directed at me than at them. Clearly, I am the odd man out. It is painfully obvious. They might not realize it, but people treat you differently when you don’t drink. People treat you like a fragile doll that might be broken if they take a shot in front of you. It gets old really fast, especially because they all think you are the one judging them.

5. They don’t know how to have fun

There are a lot of ways to have fun other than getting wasted. Honestly, if getting completely trashed is the only way you have fun, what does that say about you? I am a very easily entertained person. Throw on a new TV show, and I'll be set for hours. Take me for a walk, and I'll consider it an adventure. I have never felt the need to enhance my day with alcohol to enjoy the life that has been given to me. These are the types of people I want to be around, the kind who can amuse themselves in any situation and who are a natural joy to be around. Not the kind of people who need to get buzzed before they can let loose.

6. They don’t drink because “they just don’t get it”

Believe it or not, I have a pretty good understanding of what alcohol does to a person without having to experience it myself. I have seen how drunk people act, and I have no desire to be one of them. I am not saying people who drink are not reasonable, but after a few too many drinks the ability to make reasonable decisions is thrown to the wind. You may walk into a party one night having made the decision to only drink one beer, but after having that beer you change your mind and have another, and so on. I have had friends get black-out drunk and wake up unsure of how they made it home. In this case, it is true that I “just don’t get it.” I will never understand why people find it amusing to drink to the point of nearly killing themselves and then laugh it off as some great college story.

7. They don’t party

This seems like a reasonable assumption, but surprisingly, non-drinkers still do party. I have been to a few parties where I didn't drink. Granted, I did not really enjoy myself. I had fun dancing with my friends, but it was not nearly as exciting as I hoped it would be. In actuality, I found myself surrounded by incoherent college kids sloshing drinks on me from all angles whilst trying to grind on me. It was probably one of the most uncomfortable situations I have ever been in, and I rather would have stayed home. Personally, it wasn't my scene, but I can understand why lots of people enjoy it, drinkers and non-drinkers alike. Dancing all night, listening to loud music and just enjoying yourself is very appealing after a long week of classes. Everyone can enjoy a good party, drunk or sober.