I don't drink. I am turning 21 this year and even then, I won't be drinking. This is a personal choice, one that I have been asked to explain on a nonstop basis since I entered my high school years. I have made the decision to not consume alcohol for these reasons:
1. I have anxiety and I don't want to be out of control of my body and potentially cause harm to others. Situations like these cause me to worry like there is no tomorrow, so I avoid adding any other additional anxiety to my plate.
2. My family has a lot of experience with alcoholism and addiction, and it has negatively impacted my life for as long as I can remember.
Yes, it is that simple. I did not have any crazy experience that led me not to drink, I just don't have any desire to. Here is the kicker though: I made this choice for me, not for everyone around me. I don't ask you why you decide to drink. I don't act like you are weird for wanting to go out and drink with friends. I get why you do and I can accept that. But why does the choice I made not receive the same courtesy?
When offered a drink in a social situation I think "No, thank you." is an appropriate answer. Apparently it is not. I cannot remember a time that I have turned down a drink without a follow-up question.
"Why don't you drink?"
"Have you ever drank?"
"Are you going to start drinking when you turn 21?"
"When you decide to get hammered, let me be the one to take you out and get you drunk."
"How do you have fun?"
"You should try it, it makes things way better."
I should not have to explain to you why my answer was no. Yet somehow, all of these questions and statements are things I have heard more times than I can count. It isn't that I necessarily mind explaining to people why I made the choice I did. It is the fact that I just shouldn't have to be questioned for saying no. I don't ask you "why do you drink?" or "the first time you decide to be sober at a party, let me be there to help you drink water." I want my decision to be respected. I don't want to feel like such an outcast for saying no to alcohol. Yes, I can have fun without it and I can fit in just fine at your social gatherings where people around me are drinking. The reason I don't is because I get pestered all night about why I am not drinking. This takes the fun right out of it.
My problem is not alcohol or the people who consume it. My problem is with the people who cannot let me make my own decision about the matter without making me feeling insecure.
Drinking is okay.
And not drinking is also okay.
