I also give kudos for people who don't drink at parties and functions like that. that means there are designated drivers !

I have a lot of respect for non-drinkers. Several of my sisters don't drink and often times they have more fun at parties than the drinkers and they feel a whole lot better the next day. I'm a drinker, but there are certain situations when I feel like i've outgrown drinking too. It's not all the time but it the peer pressure can always be solved by filling an empty cup or can with water.

Imthechamp- why do you feel sorry for those who chose to drink?

Haha one of my non-drinking sisters was said to be the drunkest sober person you'd ever meet--she was always so much FUN to be around! Unfortunately she was killed in a car accident on October 6th of this year, but she was an outstanding example of non-drinking fun without being a downer to her drinking friends. She always went out and had a good time w/o alcohol.

There are other non-drinkers in my house, and I figure more power to 'em. I don't drink a lot, and when I do it's not excessive, but that is just because I have a hard time sipping on stuff the entire night and enjoying it. I'm not against drinking, though, and I don't hold drunkenness against other people. When I do manage to drink more (haven't eaten much that day/taking shots) I am a silly drunk and I think it's fun :p Other people can do whatever they want and I don't have a problem with it.

Oh MY GOSH... :eek: i'm so sorry about your friend, that's terrible!! At least you have a bunch of great memories with her!!

aprilxo, I'm sorry to hear about your friend. :(

Kudos to anyone who has made the decision not to drink, especially recovering alcoholics! Kudos, too, to the designated drivers who choose not to drink at a particular event so that everyone can get home safely.

I do drink, as do most of my friends and family. When I go out with my nondrinking friends, I might or might not have a drink... it depends on how I feel and whether I have to drive. When I visit my nondrinking friends' homes, I'll gladly accept a glass of water or soda... you can absolutely have a good time without alcohol, and even if they invited me to bring beer or wine, I'd feel awkward doing so. When they visit me, I'll offer them water or soda, though I myself might have a glass of wine or a martini.

No one has ever lectured me about my decision to drink, nor would I ever lecture someone on their decision to not drink.

I agree with everyone else that I do not like the self-righteous, condescending attitude of some non-drinkers. But, for the fun ones, it's cool if that's what they want to do. It's nice to have someone who will actually listen and understand when everony is wasted and you are being a sad drunk. It's also super to have someone around who actually remembers all the funny things that happened the night before and can retell the stories! :)

Also, sometimes I will be the sober driver... sometimes it sucks because everyone else seems to be having more fun but sometimes it's way fun to torment the drunk girls and laugh at them being dumb.