Maybe alcoholism runs in your family, or you don’t like who you turn into when you drink.

Maybe you don’t want to be taken advantage of when you’re under the influence, or you have a health condition.

Maybe you don’t like getting a hangover, or have had a bad experience while drinking.

Maybe you don’t like the taste, or think alcohol is a waste of money.

Maybe you don't like people when they drink or bars aren’t a fun environment for you.

For whatever reason you choose not to drink alcohol, I respect your decision, and I want you to know that you don't have to explain yourself to anyone.

I’m sure we’ve all witnessed someone of the legal drinking age who doesn’t drink, and it is often times looked at with negativity and scrutiny. You might be judged and looked down on by your peers, because no one your age could imagine not getting plastered every weekend.

You'll be guilt-tripped and pressured into drinking by your "friends", and to that, I say, "Screw them!" If your friends don't accept and respect your decision, they aren't good friends anyway.

Many people would say that you're "no fun" if you don't drink. But it really stinks when someone thinks they have to drink in order to have fun.

Stand up for yourself and your decisions. If you want to go to a bar to be with friends, GO. So what if you're at a bar ordering water? I don't see a problem with that. This is your body, don't let anyone tell you what poison to put into it.

Don't let the fear of what people will say, or think, stop you from having a good time.