I am 21 years old. I am of the legal age to consume alcohol. However, the majority of the time I choose not to drink. Why? Well, why would I? It’s a double-sided question, and I never know what to say when people ask me why I don’t drink. My answer is normally, “Uh, I don’t really know.” I guess I prefer to not wake up the morning after a long night out of getting drunk only to feel like poop. Not to mention having to slowly piece life back together. I am the opposite of patient, so I can’t stand when my life is in shambles and I have to wait it out. There are not a lot of people like me in the world. Or at least I haven’t met them.

It does help that I despise the taste of all alcohol. What is the real difference between vodka and nail polish remover? Nothing. If and when I do drink, I’m the girl who holds her nose and closes her eyes to guide it down easily and painfully. This is not an article to bash anyone who does drink. It is a personal choice; I just choose to stay in for the weekend and go to bed early while binging Netflix. I’m a full-time student who works two jobs and is already exhausted. If I do end up going out, for some reason I always feel obligated to drink.

I never feel ashamed to not drink, and not once have allowed myself to be overcome by peer pressure. It is very easy to for me to say no to drinking. There is something awkward about being the only sober person in a group of drunkards. That is where my cups of vodka tonic (ice water) come in handy. If you ever can’t find me when I’m out “drinking,” I’m probably in the bathroom pouring my drink down the toilet, those occasional times I do buy an actual drink. If people see a cup in my hand, they never ask questions. $5 for a mixed drink just seems outrageous to me. Think about it, if I buy four drinks in a night, I’ve spent $20 on drinks. Four drinks for $20? And now, my bank account is officially overdrawn. Fantastic.

See what I mean? What’s worse than literally watching money spill out of my bank account? Especially when you don’t have money to spend in the first place! All I can think about is the groceries I need to buy or the fact that I have six miles until “E” in my car. Most people think just because you do not drink automatically means your lame. I love to be social and I enjoy a night out with my friends every once in a while. Maybe I have a different idea of how to have fun.

Some of the best nights in my life were spent being sober and enjoying being drunk on life. I know that sounds lame, but it’s the truth, and I know other people would agree. Think about the days being a teenager having sleepover with your best friends staying up late to talk about anything and everything. Those are the nights you will always remember.