To The People Who Want To Wait To Drink Until They’re 21
Start writing a post
Politics

To The People Who Want To Wait To Drink Until They’re 21

It's doable. I waited, and I'm proud of my decision.

158
To The People Who Want To Wait To Drink Until They’re 21

"You're in college. What do you mean you don't drink?" I received this question a lot, and there were times that it was really awkward. People often proceeded with funny looks and nosy follow up questions. Thus, I'd be lying if I were to say that it was easy. Unfortunately, I've even lost a couple of friends in college because they thought that drinking was synonymous with fun. In other words, if I don't drink, then I must be no fun to be around. As a person who waited to drink until I turned 21, I thought that this post was important to share for those who don't want to drink but feel like they have to in order to fit in.

There are two tips that made it easier for me not to feel pressured to drink in college. For one, I found people who enjoyed similar things as me. This made it easier on weekends when I didn't feel like going out because I could just hit them up to watch a movie, go to dinner, attend a concert, go for a late night workout, chill and talk, etc. My other tip is that if you want to go to parties but also want to avoid nosy questions, you could always just hold a drink but not actually drink it. That way when people aren't looking, just pour the drink in the sink, lawn, or closest plant (sorry plant, but sometimes you have to take one for the team!) I say all of this to say that if you don't want to drink, there are ways that you can avoid it.

For people who don't want to drink, we all have our different reasons. For me, there were two. First, I didn't have a huge interest. My parents and older sister didn't drink often, so it was rare when alcohol was around growing up. This leads me to the second reason. I think that it is important to remind you that I am a woman of color. When you're raised by Black parents, they instill in you the reality that the world sees you differently. There are things that your friends might be doing that you cannot do. This is especially true today. I go to college in the most segregated city in the country in a time where racism is blatant and not always denounced. While this is unfortunate, it's real. (And for my skeptical readers, look up the "arrest of Martese Johnson"). Before we turned 21, a lot of my friends and I didn't drink at parties because at the end of the day, if the cops are called, we know that we are the first ones looked at, and that is something that we should not risk.

Now that I enter into a new chapter of my life (my 21st birthday was yesterday), I'm excited for what's ahead. But I felt like I should share this for the people who have been in my position. My best advice is to do what makes you feel comfortable. If you don't want to drink, then don't. While it may be awkward at times, I guarantee that you are not the only one at your school who doesn't feel like drinking, so don't be afraid to have those conversations with others. In fact, those initially awkward conversations led me to meet some awesome people in college who I now consider some of my closest friends.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58878
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

38004
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959524
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

195536
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments