Marik2 said:
Granted I'm 18 and the only alcohol I've had was a Bud Light that an uncle gave me. But when I drank it, it tasted horrible and said "Why do people like this stuff?"
So the question is What's the deal with drinking? Why do people drink at all?
Get some vodka or UV or something, mixe it with some Hawaiin punch or cocacola, get drunk with some friends, watch a funny movie or play some video games, and report back to me.
Odds are, if you don't over do it, you might have a great time, and discover what "the deal is with drinking."
If you're drinking to "party" you don't typically drink because it tastes good, or because drinking in itself is fun. You drink for the intoxicating and liberating effects of Alcohol.
Drunkenness destroys feelings of inhibition---hence its use as a "social lubricant." Those parties where people stand around awkwardly not talking to each other? Not as big a deal when everyone is getting saucy.
Now, not everyone drinks to "party." I enjoy that sort of partying from time to time, but I also am starting to feel the effects of it on my waistline and my wallet... and I feel like I'm outgrowing it a bit----drinking with friends at parties and bars no longer constitutes the largest portion of my social life.
On the other hand, many people drink to achieve a slight buzz, and because they've acquired a taste for good beer or wine. You mention you had a sip of Bud Light and it was terrible. That's because it *was* terrible.
Bud light is one of a variety of piss-water light beers that are easy on your wallet because they're cheap and easier on your beer gut because they're lower in calories. But what you save in money and calories you lose in taste. There are much tastier beer offerings available at higher prices, and preferably locally brewed.
But all beers are universally bitter. Many beers are advertised as "Refreshing," but all that means is, "Much more watery, but still bitter tasting like every other beer."
Does beer taste bad?
Beer is an acquired taste. Like Mushrooms, or spinach. I hated beer until I was like 20, if I was getting drunk before then it was off of liqueur mixed with something to mask the taste.
Should you feel pressured into drinking?
No. Not really, feel free to stay sober. Many times I only drink a little or not at all, but I still enjoy hanging out with my friends who many be drinking. Many people abstain entirely from alcohol and still have a great time at parties.
Is drinking bad?
Only if you're the member of some puritanical religion who values that sort of arbitrary morality. Drinking till you puke is bad. Getting drunk every day of the week, or at the expense of necessary chores/activities is bad. Drinking by yourself and avoiding friends to drink is bad. Drinking in general is not bad, however. Stay clear of problem drinking, and you'll be fine.
A lot of people are wary of drinking because you do lose your inhibition. You don't lose control totally, but you definitely lose some control. The more you drink, the less control you'll have. And it will also impact your judgment. These two factors are what scare people who want to abstain from alcohol: that they'll be much more likely to behave in a way that is not carefully controlled, I think, is why they don't do it at all.
Case in point:
alex1314159 said:
geldonyetich said:
I've a philosophy that I prefer to keep my wits about me at all times.
I agree, that's why I don't drink. being in my logical mind i value highly, I don't like being out of it.
If you don't want to lose your inhibitions, then abstain.
Oh, and if you do decide to drink under-aged, be mindful of the fact that it is against the law and there are consequences.
