Why do you drink everyday? Or why don't you?

[Longroadforgotten]

DP drinks every day. It bothers me but I can't pinpoint why. I think it is because in my mind it is a one way ticket to becoming dependant. But I'm the polar opposite. I don't drink at all. I used to occasionally but since being pregnant and giving birth I've had a sip of beer here and there and that is it. I can't say I particularly miss it and I prefer being in my right mind all the time (I've always been a lightweight). Therefore, I am not really sure why someone would be compelled to drink every day. Please don't think I'm judging. I'm not. I just want to get more of an overall view of people's drinking habits. DP assures me most people drink most days to relax, unwind and obviously they enjoy it!

DH used to drink at least 8 units every 2 days - it slowly crept up over time and culminated in him drinking bottles that I'd had to hide (because if I didn't hide them, he drank them) and denying it furiously. After some rather painful conversations and trips to AA he has cut way, way back. I was often told that I was being unfair and that it was only a drink and God, lighten up though.

In light of this, we have 1-2 drinks each on Friday and Saturday only, even in lockdown. For me it's part solidarity and part calorie counting, plus a wish to not depend on it too much myself.

I've found this quite interesting. I'm not a big drinker and it holds no real interest for me. I also don't really understand why people would drink a small amount every day

I just don't find it relaxing or that it kills boredom so I've been interesting to read people who do find that.

When I was younger I'd drink enough so that I felt giddy, giggly, had lower inhibitions and more energy to dance at parties, clubs or weddings. (Not crazy binge drinking so I was falling over, just a bit more lively than usual)
I don't tend to go to those places now as my life style has changed. I don't feel anything from one quiet drink at home or with a meal. Sometimes I'll be offered one and accept from social convention but I genuinely prefer water, tea or juice to taste and I don't want to get tipsy or sleepy over dinner, especially if everyone else is sober.

A lot of my friends drink every single night. A lot. During lockdown they are starting earlier and earlier.

I've gone through periods of my life where I have had drinks every night. I've then had periods where I have completely abstained or only had a couple in a whole year. It really depends.

I do really love it though. Start of lockdown I noticed my consumption had risen rapidly and this realisation combined with a need to lose some weight has meant I've now mainly quit for a little while.

I had a couple of rum and cokes on Friday night but before that hadn't had anything in 2 weeks and have not had a drink since.

For me, I miss drinking with my friends the absolute most. Sitting at home drinking while it might take the edge off is just not the same ☹️

Normally, it's 3 on, 4 off. Usually Friday -Sunday are our drink days.

Definitely drink too much. There's no point in trying to deny or defend it and when the weather's nice or there's a pandemic lockdown.....or both it certainly creeps up to most days.

Why? I like the feeling. Just something to look forward to at the end of the day I suppose or before if it's a special occasion.

I am definitely more mindful these days though. For example, if we go over a bottle and a half in an evening, I'll usually stop.

We certainly wouldn't be drinking like that every day!

Not every day, keep it to weekends. I drink half a bottle of wine and a couple of G&Ts over the weekend. So around 10 units a week but over 2 days.

DP will usually have a bottle of cider on 1 or 2 week nights so he drinks 14 units a week.

I think that probably sounds a lot to some people but I know people who drink more than that.

@chatterbugmegastar - I don't see how you are reading 'sneery' into what the OP has written. I'd say quite the contrary. She specifically stated that she wants to try and find out more because it is different from what she does.
I think the has been quite the opposite of 'sneery'

I don't as I'd feel like shit if I did and I don't think drinking every day is good for my health. I have drunk every day in the past and at that point I had a problem so I stopped. Normally now I only drink on social occasions but during the lockdown I've been having a few on Friday and Saturday nights as I chat to friends on zoom and do games nights etc plus it breaks things up a bit! I don't use it to relax though - when I did it quickly became a bad habit and since the hangovers made me feel anxious it wasn't helping anyway!

On 4 out 7 days a week I’ll have a drink, because it tastes lovely.

Whether it’s a cold beer on a hot day, a chilled glass of wine, a glass of red matched to dinner...the pleasure that food and drink can bring are one of the things that I find make life great, particularly when enjoyed with family or friends.

I don't every night because of the calories and the tendency to eat crisps alongside. Plus I quite often need to drive somewhere in the evening in normal life. However if there were no negatives I would. It's delicious and relaxing. I don't drink excessive amounts.

For those that don't 'get it' - what's your equivalent? Tea? Chocolate? Cake? You don't need it but you enjoy it and it gives you a little lift or helps you relax and enjoy your evening more.

A couple of beers, punk ipa or similar, every evening. Share a bottle of wine with DP Fri, Sat and Sun. It's nice and I like it

I drink every day because I enjoy having a few drinks. I have a high tolerance and never get drunk. It would take a lot for me to get drunk.
I don't have a problem with alcohol but I do enjoy it

I don't drink at all. It makes me tired and I don't drink my calories - need them all for food (big appetite)

I don't drink, I have done in my teens and early 20s however my parents are alcoholics and I don't want my children to have a mother that has to have a drink everyday.

I think a lot of people are functioning alcoholics.

I have a drink most nights. Last night 2 bottles of beer but i had been on a mountain run and i was verrryyyy thirsty!

Tonight ill have a glass of wine with my chicken dinner. Nothing more.

Oh and I never get drunk. I don’t do pubs and drink lots. Last time i was drunk was 26 years ago when I was 20!

I drink probably 5 nights out of 7. I like wine (I really like wine actually). And I like a big g&t with lots of ice and lemon, or a glass of Aperol Spritz.

At the moment it marks the division between the working day (currently wfh) and the evening. It's a signifier. I open a bottle of wine as I cook dinner, DH and I chat in the kitchen, that's the evening started!

I could probably drink less. I could also probably walk 10,000 steps everyday, have tighter abs, eat less chocolate and stop biting my nails

Very rarely drink. Occasionally on a night out. Since lockdown, I have had a drink maybe 3 times? Any alcohol just disturbs my sleep so much and I like feeling refreshed and energetic in the daytime!