Going to a social event without having a drink (alcohol)? Shock Horror maybe?

[Parasondox]

Goooooooooo... Damn its a dull day. British weather at it's best.

While getting items for my mothers 50th birthday party, my mother revealed that we couldn't get alcohol because the centre hosting the event didn't allow it and there was a pub just next door. So I said, "when going to outings and parties, can't handle it without having a drink or two". Then, as inquisitive as I am, I asked myself that question. Why can't some individuals go a few hours at an event without any alcohol. I'm not a drinker, I can't stand the taste, but I was thinking about those who do for the party cause I didn't want them feeling left out and don't mind if anyone drinks or not. Well, until they get piss drunk then I can't stand that.

Is this a British thing? Maybe, maybe not. Or is it part of today's drinking cultural that isn't thought about much and universally, is it seen and used as a way to just "hype" things up. Actually I don't know, which is why I am asking. Time to find out.

 

[Thaluikhain]

Eh, a lot of people are like that...and often totally cannot understand/tolerate people not drinking, which is very annoying.

 

[Colour Scientist]

Having a few drinks at a social or family event, especially a birthday party or celebration, can make things a bit more fun and lively.

Unless someone has a problem with alcoholism, most people don't need to drink at something like that but, for me, it can definitely make the experience more enjoyable. People tend to be a bit more outgoing or chatty and it's a nice way to unwind.

This obviously excludes people who don't know when enough is enough and end up getting really messy.
The UK and Ireland definitely has a drinking culture but I wouldn't say that it's something exclusive to the British Isles.

Edit: I'd like to point out that I have no problem with people who choose not to drink, I just don't have much time for people who make a point of letting everyone else know that they don't and how much they disapprove of people who do. I have friends who have never touched alcohol but it was really never an issue because they'd just grab a soft drink or whatever and have the craic with everyone else.

 

[Ubiquitous Duck]

It can be for people to lessen their inhibitions and 'let loose' and have a good time at the party.

It doesn't have to be taken to excess, although, granted, it often is - but some people appreciate it to be able to get involved with proceedings.

Some people have the natural confidence to do whatever they please regardless, but some people need a little help.

 

[Dismal purple]

Sweden here. I tried my first alcoholic drink at the age of 24. The consequence was that everyone treated me like I had just converted to their religion. I got slaps on the back and "I'm proud of you". My brother gave me a glass of whine the next time I visited him. He wasn't going to have any himself, he just thought that I should have some. And there was a guy who went around and told everyone "the news", it was very awkward.

The culture surrounding alcohol is just toxic as hell and full of dangerous myths. But if you try to criticize it you're a meanie who "hates fun".

 

[L. Declis]

a glass of whine

The Escapist's preferred drink.

-----------------------------

I don't tend to drink at these sorts of things, or meet and greets, or meetings or stuff like that.

But let's be honest, if it's obligatory, you're probably drinking because you don't want to be sober for this boring shit. At least if you're pissed, YOU'RE having fun.

Obviously, there are times you shouldn't. Like a funeral.

 

[geK0]

I have a lot of social anxiety which is somewhat mitigated by alcohol. I totally get where you're coming from.

Just as long as everyone is getting just a little bit tipsy and not piss drunk; it's quite likely there are going to be some angry drunks at a social gathering, and that would just ruin the whole thing.

 

[Davey Woo]

I used to not drink at all, then I found cider and it all seems to have gone downhill from then.

I don't mind people who drink/don't drink at social events, most of my friends have to take the car to get anywhere which means whenever we meet up there'll be at least 2 designated drivers. I'll probably call people boring if they are not drinking just because, but I don't really care too much. I personally am quiet unless I'm drunk so nowadays I try and get a few down to liven myself up.

 

[Avaholic03]

There are plenty of reasons to not drink at a social event. Maybe someone you know is an alcoholic and you don't want to drink in front of them. Maybe you're the designated driver. It really shouldn't be a big deal...and sometimes it isn't depending on who you're hanging around with.

Sweden here. I tried my first alcoholic drink at the age of 24. The consequence was that everyone treated me like I had just converted to their religion. I got slaps on the back and "I'm proud of you". My brother gave me a glass of whine the next time I visited him. He wasn't going to have any himself, he just thought that I should have some. And there was a guy who went around and told everyone "the news", it was very awkward.

The culture surrounding alcohol is just toxic as hell and full of dangerous myths. But if you try to criticize it you're a meanie who "hates fun".

I can definitely relate. I had a couple friends who treated drinking like a fraternity that everyone must join. I didn't drink until I was 21...which is the legal age here in the US...but apparently that was shocking to some people.

 

[leberkaese]

Alcohol helps having more fun. There are events where I wouldn't have any problems without drinking alcohol, but it gets better if there's something to drink.
But, there are places like clubs where I couldn't stay for very long without drinking...

I guess, it's established in most cultures to have alcohol during parties and therefore a lack of alcohol will make people upset?

 

[Lilani]

I don't mind people drinking at social events as long as things don't get out of hand, and while I don't drink regularly I might have one on a special occasion or at a social gathering. But I also don't understand the mentality of people who believe alcohol to be as important at a social gathering as the air itself. To me, that hints at alcohol being more than something of enjoyment for them, but something necessary for then to feel "normal" or have fun, which in turn makes me a bit uncomfortable or even leery of that person. In my opinion, if you need to dilute your mind to have fun or interact with others, then something isn't right there.

 

[Nickolai77]

Quite simply because drinking alcohol makes you and others around you more lively, talkative and funny. In moderation, alcohol at parties greases the wheels of socialisation you could say. You can have a perfectly good time without alcohol of course, but I would say that consuming alcohol, in moderation, makes it a lot easier than it is otherwise for everyone to enjoy themselves.

 

[Esotera]

It depends on the company. I think I could just about survive at an extended family gathering without alcohol, but it certainly wouldn't be as enjoyable an experience. Also for a big social event like a birthday having a drink or two makes everyone feel better & improves the conversation a lot.

If someone plans on getting completely smashed and complains about not being able to, that's a different matter. Although that is certainly fun to do once in a while.

 

[Beffudled Sheep_v1legacy]

I always thought that some people have some kind of social anxiety and just feel too uncomfortable being at such social gatherings sober.
I know I can't handle anything like parties or family gatherings without booze to mellow me out a bit.

 

[Madame_Lawliet]

I don't drink, but I also don't usually go to social events if I can avoid them so I have very little room to comment.

 

[DementedSheep]

Well it reduces anxiety in some people, makes it easier to talk and 'let go'. Others like actually getting off their face drunk. I don't really understand that one tbh. I had to babysit people like that and to me getting that drunk is nightmarish not fun. I would never do it intentionally.
I had friends who keep trying to make me get drunk and it really annoyed me.

 

[Dismal purple]

I always thought that some people have some kind of social anxiety and just feel too uncomfortable being at such social gatherings sober.
I know I can't handle anything like parties or family gatherings without booze to mellow me out a bit.

I find that even the most outgoing and confident people will use the "social anxiety" excuse. To be honest some people get dependent on alcohol in order to be social. If you just bear with it for a while you will learn to have fun without it.

 

[Parasondox]

I always thought that some people have some kind of social anxiety and just feel too uncomfortable being at such social gatherings sober.
I know I can't handle anything like parties or family gatherings without booze to mellow me out a bit.

I find that even the most outgoing and confident people will use the "social anxiety" excuse. To be honest some people get dependent on alcohol in order to be social. If you just bear with it for a while you will learn to have fun without it.

It gets even worse when you hear about parents wanting alcohol to be served at school plays for... well the parents. Seriously, there is a news story about it in the UK but it's hard to find cause it was one of those "small" stories. If you can't handle being at a school production without a drink, then there is a serious problem.

 

[GabeZhul]

Sweden here. I tried my first alcoholic drink at the age of 24. The consequence was that everyone treated me like I had just converted to their religion. I got slaps on the back and "I'm proud of you". My brother gave me a glass of whine the next time I visited him. He wasn't going to have any himself, he just thought that I should have some. And there was a guy who went around and told everyone "the news", it was very awkward.

The culture surrounding alcohol is just toxic as hell and full of dangerous myths. But if you try to criticize it you're a meanie who "hates fun".

Similar experience, except I am still anti-alcoholic, and I plan on being one till my death-bed. Not that such an attitude doesn't have its challenges.

During my first year of university I was practically besieged by "helpful" guys who just really wanted me to "be able to enjoy the company better" and got personally offended when I refused to take their drinks. This in turn made me an outcast on short notice, and to be honest, I don't mind. I have my own similarly non-drinking friends and we can have just as much fun as everyone else with the added benefit of actually being able to remember the fun times the next day.

Say what you want, I have never met a single person who wasn't insufferable even only after a single beer. In fact I have a pet theory that every single human being is a horrible drunk, but other people only notice it if they are not drunk yet, which is the reason why everyone has to drink at parties so that no-one feels embarrassed about being the only drunk idiot in the room.

 

[Dismal purple]

so that no-one feels embarrassed about being the only drunk idiot in the room.

I actually have an experience kind of like that. We were five people. Three non-drinkers, one girl who had a few glasses, and one guy who decided to get blackout drunk and "have a great time". The alcohol actually pacified him so he just sat in the sofa like a zombie. It made everyone else uncomfortable, we were trying to stop him but he insisted that he was in control. He ended up throwing up in the bathroom. Ironically this was his attempt to create memories because it was our last weekend together before graduation.

I'm sorry alcoholfriends. I just can't seem to have any good experiences with this substance.