It always comes as a huge surprise whenever I tell people that I don't drink. Actually, "surprise" is probably the wrong word for most people's reaction and "horrified" seems more fitting! Drinking in today's society is seen as the norm so a lot of people can't imagine anyone not doing it, especially a 21 year old student like myself. Students are stereotypically renowned for heavy binge drinking so whether that's what we're into or not, it's kind of expected of you and is seen as part of student life. Now don't get me wrong, if I'm on holiday it's likely I'll have a cocktail or if I'm at something like a wedding I'd have a glass of wine etc. but the rest of the time I'm completely t-total and although I did used to be embarrassed about that, I'm now completely fine with it.
I have done my fair share of drinking in the past and have been drunk and drunk before but it's just not what I'm into any more. I think the most annoying thing about it is that people automatically judge me. They assume I'm boring or a prude or that I think I'm "too good" for drinking, none of which are the case. It's simply not what I like to do. I read a post by the lovely Liv Purvis a while back and she said that drinking is the only thing that you get questioned about when you don't do it. No one questions why you don't smoke or why you aren't interested in a certain activity but when it comes to alcohol people seem confused when you don't do it and she is exactly right. I don't judge anyone for drinking, so I really don't think anyone should be judged as being "boring" for not drinking. I used to be so embarrassed to tell people that I didn't drink and still get funny looks if I'm out somewhere and order a coke while everyone else is drinking vodka but it honestly doesn't bother me anymore and since talking to a lot of other people on Twitter who feel exactly the same as I do, I thought I'd just do a little post explaining a few of the reasons why I chose not to.
First of all, I'm such an early bird on a morning no matter what and if I don't do something productive with my day I feel terrible. For this reason, I can't stand waking up after a night of drinking feeling like absolute crap and not being able to remember parts of the night before. Seriously I can't think of anything worse! For some people, that's all part of the fun and they love that but it's just not for me. Secondly, the health benefits of not drinking are absolutely fantastic. I can't remember the last time I was actually drunk (I think it was well over two years ago!!) but I can tell you since I haven't drank my skin and overall health have been so much better. There's absolutely none of that awful bloated feeling that comes with alocohol and we all know how bad alcohol is for your skin, not only for premature aging but for spots and tired looking skin too. Thirdly, I'm way too stingy with my money to spend £10 on a single cocktail on a night out or £30 on a taxi. I'd much rather have a pair of new shoes or put it towards a trip away! Now those are just my priorities are I completely understand that some people are the opposite and would rather have a night out, it just all depends on what you like to do.
So I guess the point of this post was just to say that it's okay if you like to drink but it's also okay if you don't. No one should be judged on it either way. Everyone has different interests and we should all just accept that. I really hate the culture that we seem to have gotten into where it's not "normal" to not want to go out every weekend and if you'd rather stay in or do something else then you're "boring". You aren't. Do what you want to do, not what everyone else expects you to do. I think if we all did that and made an effort not to judge people for their choices the world would be a much nicer place!
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Amy x
I remember when I was 18 and at University and was t-total for over 6 months. I preferred to watch other people make a fool out of themselves then be able to drive home and wake up early and do something with my day. I felt a lot better for it then and I am thinking of doing it again. :-) x
ReplyDeleteI'm really not a big drinker, I will drink on the occasional night out, a wedding or a holiday but I've never been the type of person to drink every weekend - I just personally don't see the point. Like you, I hate the feeling of waking up the next morning not remembering things and feeling dreadful. I'd also much rather spend money on a new top or something I'll enjoy far more than an overpriced drinks. Totally get where you're coming from xx
ReplyDeleteIoanna | Hearting.co.uk
This was a really interesting post, and a very unique perspective! I love how you mentioned that you should do what you want to do, and not what people expect you to, I wish more people had this point of view! Although I do drink, I feel like this perspective should be applied to most aspects of life!
ReplyDeleteTessa at Bramble & Thorn
Love this post, I couldn't agree with you more! All other 18 year olds around me are off out drinking and making a fool of themselves every weekend, it's genuinely their favourite thing to do but it just isn't for me. Just like you, I'm quite embarrassed of not being massively into it myself and tend to keep that to myself, I start university in September and so no doubt I'll get questioned about it myself especially around freshers. I too am not against drinking, I just see it as being a celebratory thing for an occasion rather than a weekly, costly habit. Thank you for sharing! x
ReplyDeleteToni x
clarkecouture.blogspot.co.uk
I can really relate to this post and it was a really refreshing read! I used to drink a lot at uni but had pancreatitis so can medically never drink again, i wasn't even bothered as it used to make me so ill anyway and cost a fortune. 2 years on people still question why i don't drink and i just think its ridiculous that we have to justify ourselves. You are so right that we don't question people why we don't smoke or do other things. The drinking culture is terrible, but we definitely are not the only ones out there and it's a good thing! xxx
ReplyDeleteLoved reading this post and really relate to it, like you say it's annoying when people assume if you don't go out and get drunk often as a student that you're "boring" because that's definitely not the case! It is expensive and there isn't many alcoholic drinks that I particularly like so I don't feel the need to spend a lot on it. It is very strange how society questions people for not drinking.
ReplyDeleteFreya | freya-ella.blogspot.co.uk
I can totally relate to this, I get so tired of people's reaction when I tell them I don't drink. I feel like it's almost a bad confession but at the same time it really shouldn't matter whether or not I do because it's a personal choice. I've sort of learned to just accept people's reactions and hold my ground when they try and force me to drink, because whether or not your drink alcohol just really shouldn't be a big deal!
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I only have a drink at blogger events and I do feel like I should drink as all of my friends do - especially when I was at uni as the 'student image' is that of drunken 20 somethings but I was never like that x
ReplyDeleteHeather | Of Beauty & Nothingness x
So much truth in this post! I rarely drink and find it so awkward (and embarrassing) when i'm out and people give me weird looks or comments when all I order is a diet coke. I don't completely not drink but i rarely drink. I much prefer to drink water or a soft drink with food which is something else so many people find weird but I don't see what the big problem is. It's our choice! Great read.
ReplyDeleteAshleigh x
♡ Being Ashleigh - Lifestyle and Fashion blog ♡
Good on you for being T total! In my first year of Uni I only drank orange and water on a night out! I saved a small fortune!
ReplyDeleteJennie Emma
xxx
To be fair, I am the same. These people who constantly go out every weekend/night to get wrecked, or even those who come home from work and have a bottle of wine every night really worry me.
ReplyDeleteI too will drink if I'm out for a meal or out for special occasion! It's sad that people still have this crazy idea about you when you aren't a massive drinker!
Bee xxx
QueenBeady.com
Totally get this. I'm 25 and rarely go out 'drinking'. I'm not t-total, but I understand the perks. If I do drink I have the worst hangovers. I like a drink, but I rarely go overboard. It just isn't worth the pain and the expense. I wish I'd clued myself in earlier!
ReplyDeleteRach // illustrated-teacup.blogspot.co.uk
So lovely to read! I am T-total, too, mainly because of my religion, but I also drank in the past and just found it wasn't worth it to me! Made me feel horrible and I just can't fit a pint of beer in me!
ReplyDeletePeople are still shocked when I tell them, but it doesnt bother me. I still go to Glastonbury and don't drink, I still go out with my friends and don't drink and it's great :) I do drink non-alcoholic beer because I like it and there is only so much coke I can drink on a night out!
Very refreshing post :)
So glad I'm not alone on this! Everyone calls me boring cause I don't go out all the time.. They don't get that I would rather save up for something than throw up 20 quids worth of booze. I think either way people just love to have a good moan. :D
ReplyDeleteThis was a very refreshing read.
ReplyDeleteIt's only recently that I've started drinking socially again, because I feel like I'm at a time in my life where it works for me and no longer triggers anxiety, but after a horrific experience while drunk 3 years ago, I did not get drunk for 3 years.
I barely touched a drop of alcohol.
And you know what? I LOVED being t-total. I think it's great to have a break from alcohol whether it be a temporary one or permanent. It's made me feel so totally not bothered by the idea of drinking that I no longer feel the need to spend loads of money on a night out, and I know that I can have a really great night totally sober. xo
LJLV | UK Personal Style
I don't drink either!...But that's because I'm seventeen and religiously-bound not to. Hahaha, it does feel weird though. To see culture so involved in drinking and I'm just not interested in it. Even if I could be a drinker, I don't think I would be. It's really a decision of the person, I wish more people understood that <3
ReplyDeletexx Bash | Bash Says Hey | bloglovin'
I really relate to this, I don't drink and it's the one thing I get judged for. I don't smoke either and that seems to be fine but not drinking is just a big deal to some. I completely agree with your reasons for not drinking too!
ReplyDeleteJodie xo // JodieLoue
I used to LOVE drinking and getting really drunk, but now I go through phases of not liking drinking that much and not really doing it - I get what you mean though, when I'm out and start chatting to people I meet and they ask what I'm drinking and I say water (even if I've drank a lot that night but wanted a glass of water) they look and sound so confused, like it is normal not too want to drink alcohol all the time! Drinking alcohol has turned into the norm though...
ReplyDeleteThe Velvet Black // UK Style & Beauty Blog
I've been feeling this way recently - that if rather spend my money on something more tangible. I try and avoid casual drinking where I can and only drink for 'special occasions'.
ReplyDeleteRhiân x
www.chapterandcircle.co.uk
I drink variable amounts anything from nothing to enough to make me feel 'tipsy', but people are always on other peoples case about how much and what theyre drinking. I don't really like the taste of alcohol like wine, or beer/ciders etc, so tend to lean more towards fruity flavoured or spirits. I don't get why people have to have such an opinion on how much people drink, the focus should be on how much of a good time you are having, because when I drink nothing I more often than not appear to be having a better time than others who have chose to drink that night. x
ReplyDeletewww.BeautyWanderlust.co.uk
I drink variable amounts anything from nothing to enough to make me feel 'tipsy', but people are always on other peoples case about how much and what theyre drinking. I don't really like the taste of alcohol like wine, or beer/ciders etc, so tend to lean more towards fruity flavoured or spirits. I don't get why people have to have such an opinion on how much people drink, the focus should be on how much of a good time you are having, because when I drink nothing I more often than not appear to be having a better time than others who have chose to drink that night. x
ReplyDeletewww.BeautyWanderlust.co.uk
I'm actually heading into university this September as a 21-year-old non-drinker (I've actually never been drunk either) so this was an interesting read. One thing I've been thinking about for months is whether my flatmates will think I'm boring because I don't drink, but deep down I don't care what other people think - I can have a great time without drinking alcohol, and I can save the money I don't spend on booze to spend on things I actually enjoy! Bonus. Plus, I'll always be the designated sober friend, so I suppose that's useful!
ReplyDeleteKate x
http://theoriestosuitfacts.blogspot.co.uk
How awful is it that we are the minority, choosing not to get hammered. What a bizarre cultural trend (I say trend in the hopes that one day things change!). In the mean time let's just be sure to continue doing our own thing and to never be pressured by others!
ReplyDeleteGemma
Faded Windmills
great post! I would have been a much better student had I been t-total!
ReplyDeletewww.thewonderlanders.com
I hear ya! I first went t total at 21 as couldn't stand the hangovers when I was getting up before 6am for work, started drinking again a year later and it spiralled to become something a little big self destructive...I drink very rarely now bug mainly to cut out empty calories. I get a lot of stick from most about not drinking but I doesn't bother me at all,I don't have a worse night and it's a lot cheaper xx
ReplyDeletecuriousaliceloves.wordpress.com 👌😙
love this post!! I don't drink, it just doesn't interest me at all. I have never actually been drunk either! Most of my 'friends' have said that I am boring and all I do is stay at home while they go out drinking. In the past I have believed them and I thought maybe I should go out with them. But I don't see why I should change just to please others, especially my so called 'friends'. It's only recently that I have met others that prefer not to drink like myself and I feel 'normal' haha :) I'm starting university this year and I am worried that people will think I'm boring for not drinking but I am not going to change for anyone. I am happy with being t-total! Plus I totally agree with you that there are better things to spend money on! :)
ReplyDeleteMichaela xx
Fantastic post! Although I do occasionally have a drink, its never an extreme amount, and never regularly. People will always judge you for not drinking, but who are the smug ones when we wake up the next day feeling as fresh as a daisy, have money for other things, and probably repairing our livers from our younger years of damaging our bodies. Thank you for sharing, its nice to know some other people see eye to eye with me!
ReplyDeleteSuitcase and Sandals Blog XX
Yes! Thank you! I used to drink as much as anyone else, but then one night (over two years ago) I got too drunk and decided never again. I mean, I do still drink from time to time, just not like 'normal' students. I've only been out once this semester, which was for a flat mates birthday, and had two beers. Luckily all flatmates have come to terms with me being the one who stays in to be the mum of the flat and look after people coming home sick. My grandparents came visiting at the weekend so we had some drinks and I don't think I've ever felt more bloated and bleh! It's always nice to know people feel the same way
ReplyDeletex
https://siobhanrothwell.wordpress.com/
I'm not a huge drinker myself. Occasionally I will feel like I do need a massive night out to let off steam but most of the time I really resent forcing myself into drinking loads just for the sake of getting drunk. For me it's always the taste of alcohol that puts me off and I've nearly lost a few friends when refusing to down a dirty pint!
ReplyDeleteMegan x
London Callings
I think drinking is, and should be, personal preference. I don't just people on whether they do drink or don't drink and nobody else should, it shouldn't even be a "thing". I completely agree with what you and Liv said, it does seem to be only when you say you don't drink or aren't having a drink that night that people question why and try to change your mind. I've never asked someone why they smoked so I wouldn't ask why they drink either.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I have a drink on the occasion, I don't miss the hangovers from nights out and I imagine my body is thankful too!
Laura | www.laurahadley.co.uk
xx
Kudos on not drinking! I stopped drinking long ago myself - I used to drink a lot. The hangovers were horrible, I said and did a lot of stupid things when I drank, wasted a lot of time doing it, and am sure my life would have been a lot better if I hadn't. Sitting on a barstool drinking is boring. Trying things that require coordination when drinking is stupid. The aftermath of drinking is often regrettable.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.full-brief-panties.blogspot.com/
What a fab post, whilst I'm definitely not tee total, most of the time I'd much rather go out for a meal with friends than get absolutely wrecked. That being said, I'm not adverse to a good old knees up, but I can totally understand how it really doesn't appeal to many people. Good for you, love!
ReplyDeletewe rise & we fall | Poppy
http://www.pr0binson.blogspot.co.uk
xo
This is a really great post. I'm currently in the midst of a few life alterations and have been considering giving up regularly drinking as part of that, for my health, productivity and bank balance. It can be really hard as a student surrounded by other young people who have just got their freedom and only want to get smashed. It is nice to know there are other young people who have other priorities!
ReplyDeletehauteunruly.blogspot.co.uk
Agree with pretty much everything here! I'm a 21 year old student too, and I am just so over the drinking phase now. I see money spent on drinks or nights out as clothes/shoes/makeup too haha XD It's not like I won't drink every now and then...I just genuinely have no real desire to anymore! Embarrassed myself enough for a lifetime because of the stuff lol
ReplyDeleteWhat Nikki Did
There is a lot of truth in this post, but I think this is one of those things people tend to learn for themselves. Back in high school I had a fun time drinking and would drink quite a bit at parties, but now I've cooled off and still enjoy drinking, but just less often. Alcohol can lead to some not-so-fun experiences, and I think we have all done things we regret while drinking, but they are definitely just life experiences.
ReplyDeletenueyork.blogspot.com
Totally agree with you on this. I drink and I like to do so, but for me it's more about a nice glass of wine or a cocktail than a big night of shots and alcopops! They make me feel crap! My boyfriend is more or less teetotal apart from the occasional beer and I think it's perfectly fine to do what YOU want to do. There are no rules in life. I don't go out as much as I used to so I don't really binge drink any more, but I hate the stigma that you're boring if you don't want to go out every weekend, I certainly don't!
ReplyDeleteLucy x
Yellowicing.blogspot.co.uk
I have quite a few friends that don't really drink and I don't really mine, as long as everyone is happy and comfortable - and having a good time! to be honest I don't drink unless I am going out/festival & holiday or like a planned event. I don't really see the point in coming home everyday and having a glass of wine! Good for you doing what you feel is best and not caving into pressure!
ReplyDeletehttp://thegirlwiththestrawberrytattoo.blogspot.co.uk/
I don't drink because of my religion and just started uni, and I totally understand what you mean - drinking is only wuestioned when you don't do it, and being a new uni student it excludes you from a lot of social gatherings (I'm personally not comfortable in bars/clubs etc) - frankly even if I could drink I wouldn't! It's really refreshing seeing this kind of post, and knowing that we can all have fulfilling lives without drinking a beer :)
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