Americans. How do you cope not drinking until 21?

[CrysisMcGee]

Here's how it works. I started drinking when I was 17. Whenever I went to a party, there was always alchohol provided by somebody over 21. Ever since I've been 21, I pick it up. It goes in circles. The old provide for the young.

 

[DrDeath3191]

I cope by having no interest in drinking, even after I turn 21.

 

[ace_of_something]

I'm going on 30 and I STILL haven't drank more than a sip of mead at my grandfather's wake.

 

[hvitulf]

We don't, a lot, if not most of us break that law. If I'm old enough to die for my country, I'm old enough to drink.

 

[teutonicman]

Uhhh get someone else yo buy you booze, 'course the drinking age where I'm from is 19 but still.

 

[tehroc]

Pick up a green habit instead. Not much of a drinker, I don't like loosing control of my mental state. Matter of fact, I don't like any substance that can result in a blackout when overindulged.

 

[KaiRai]

We drink before 21. It just isn't legal.

Yeah I think this was the most obvious answer

I could barely go before 15 for drinking. I was in pubs and club getting wasted at 16. (Ah the wonders of a beard )

 

[Oneirius]

I guess they just don't drink until they are twenty one...

 

[The Lost Big Boss]

I drink, but not to get drunk and fucked up but to enjoy the flavor of beer. I like having a beer when I am chilling out and that would be it, just not my style to get shit faced because it is "cool". BTW I am 16 and my parents are fine with me having a beer when I want, other kids my age do it all the time in other countries, what makes me so different from them?

EDIT: Also it isn't illegal for one to drink in the privacy of ones own home even if the person is underage.

 

[AfterAscon]

I'm British and I was in New York a few weeks ago. I got into all bars and clubs okay, despite my driving license reading 10/05/88. I only had to convince one bouncer that it read 10th of May and not the 5th October. From my experience I'd imagine its quite easy to get ?the drink? despite being under age, as it is in most countries.

 

[fenrizz]

Well, you know what they say, "You don't need to drink to have fun."
And of course it's true.

But, I ask YOU, dear Escapist, why would you start a fire with flint and steel when you can use a lighter?

Genious!

OT:
I always thought that the whole 21year limit only applied to a few states?

 

[fatmann55]

do u fill them with alcohol cause if not thats wierd

 

[Ninja Tank]

We drink before 21. It just isn't legal.

what he said

 

[lukemdizzle]

drink anyway

 

[DiamondJim]

Well, most drink illegally. I don't really care, personally. Not a big fan of alcohol...

 

[TheFacelessOne]

Because our alochol is crap, and its also a choice.

I don't intend at all to drink, as I am not the one that enjoys breaking laws.

 

[LockHeart]

Actually in America the States control drinking age. The reason they are now in line with 21 years has to do with federal highway money. States that want federal funds for their roads have to follow federal highway regulation. At some time some federal organization said 21 years of age drunk driving is safer than under 21 years of age drunk driving. They used drunk driving for highway safety to allow the 21 mandate. If they can tie in the regulation some how to funding it gives the fed the right to deny that specific funding, if that state refuses to fall in line.

Stupid, I know.

So it's ok to drink drive over 21 but not under? I'd like to see that 'study'...

OT: I think they'd only need to 'cope' if they were raging alcoholics...

 

[mhitman]

By drinking....