When I tell people that I don't drink alcohol, they're absolutely shocked by it. I usually receive a look akin to what I imagine one would receive after slapping someone's grandma. After the initial jolt of my confession, I then get bombarded with questions: "But, don't you like to have fun?" "What do you mean you've NEVER had a drink before?!" "Is it for religious purposes?" "Are you a recovering alcoholic?" After my simple "no" explanation as to why I don't drink, I am often then met with suspicion. For some reason, there's a stigma attached to people who don't consume alcohol. I have no idea where the stigma comes from and I don't know how it came to be.

When I'm in the presence of those who do enjoy alcohol, I don't wag my finger and say, "Now, now, do you know how bad that is for you?" Nor will I say anything about your lifestyle or decisions. I'm not trying to pull an "I'm better than you because I don't drink" or an "I'm judging you for your actions." That's why I'm so confused as to why once I've made myself clear that I'm not interested in alcohol, I am badgered to try a drink. I don't care if Suzy's margarita is the best in the world, none for me, more for everyone else. You can't convince me to try something that I have absolutely no interest in whatsoever. What I don't understand is why my simple, "no, thank you" cannot be an acceptable answer. I have to give a reason as to why I'll pass on the alcohol and if my reason isn't good enough, I'm borderline harassed about my personal decision about what I don't want to put into my body. So if it must be stated, and if there MUST be a reason why I don't drink, I'll give you a few personal reasons why you'll never catch me getting the worm at the bottom of the bottle.

First of all, while growing up I've witnessed what alcohol in excess does to people. Seeing people who I loved and respected acting in such atrocious ways really turned me off from alcohol from a young age. I recall a few times where I've had to physically pull people off of the floor because they simply can't control themselves. I vividly remember one incident when I was in my teenage years picking up a family member out of the woodpile next to the wood stove because they were too drunk to stand up. I noticed that they'd cut themselves, so I grabbed some tissues to help stem the bleeding. All the while I'm doing this, trying to help them, they laughed at me. I voiced my concern and tried to help them and they laughed at me. Even as I started to cry angry tears, they continued to laugh at me. It was from that incident that I vowed never to let a drop of alcohol in my system. I vowed to never let my loved ones, my future spouse, and potential children to EVER see me in such a state.

Secondly, I hate the smell and taste of it. I remember being a young child and dipping my finger into my mom's wine glass when she wasn't looking and popping my finger back into my mouth. I instantly regretted my decision. Alcohol tastes like bitter metal to me. It totally gags me. I also hate the sickly sweet smell of it. In all honesty, why would I waste time and a lot of money on trying to "acquire a taste" for something that so repulsed me?

Thirdly, I know how to have a good time without it. I laugh too loud, I awkward dance, and sing karaoke at the top of my lungs without any "liquid courage". I want to be present in the moment and take it all in. I want to be mentally sharp so that I can whip out my most sarcastic remarks and make people remember my personality, not my sloppiness. I want to be able to make a conscious decision about whether or not I want to kiss the guy in front of me. If he plays his cards right, winner winner! If not, get lost!

This country's glorification of being drunk absolutely horrifies me. Why is the girl who is tipsy and falling over herself is perceived as the prettiest girl in the room or why is it that the alcohol-fueled rage of a man is seen as something to goad and celebrate? It's beyond me.

Lastly, I think that not drinking is better for my health. Now, I understand that there are pros and cons to drinking and not drinking. However, for me, the cons totally outweigh the pros. I'd prefer to not ingest a diuretic that's going to put my liver through Hell and make me feel like a$$ the next morning. Hangovers don't seem worth it to me. I like my liver, my kidneys, and my skin too much to dry them out and abuse them. It's also a safety concern for me. If I wasn't 100% aware of my surroundings, I'd feel very vulnerable. I don't like that feeling at all. It's all fun and games until someone drugs your cocktail and you wake up in a strange place and don't remember the night before. NEVER LEAVE YOUR DRINK UNATTENDED, WHETHER IT'S ALCOHOLIC OR NOT!!! And if someone offers to buy you one, follow them to the bar and watch them while they get it. Too many slimy characters out there. I remember one night of karaoke, a man approached me and asked to get me a drink. All I asked for was water and as he went to get it, I followed him and watched the bartender pour the water and then hand it to him. Perhaps that's paranoid but at least I can say I'm lucky to have never been drugged.

I wrote this article because I want other non-drinkers to know that you're not alone in the world and I understand your frustrations. As for drinkers, I didn't write this article to shame you for your lifestyle or your choices. I have no right to police you for what you choose to ingest. Just as you have no right to police me for what I don't ingest. I wish more drinkers would respect my decision not to drink nor assume that there's "something wrong with her" for choosing not to drink. I'm so tired of having to explain myself for the decision that I make. This isn't a contest about "who is better than who" nor is it about the inability to "loosen up". It's a choice. It's as simple as yes or no. There doesn't need to be any justification for either choice. Why can't we as a society just learn to live and let live?

Much love. Take care.