I seem to have developed a reputation as a big drinker.

[ClinicallyProven]

I think it's affectionate, in that people are surprised that I enjoy a drink and that I can handle my drink, compared to my everyday character of sensible/responsible/a bit quiet.

I actually don't drink that often, never, ever during the week and maybe one or two weekends a month. When I do go out, it tends to be for a day/afternoon and into the evening with a group and I drink slowly, but steadily. I'm never falling down drunk, I'm never embarrassed by my behaviour in the morning, I've never had to apologise. I'm a happy drunk, I just become myself but less reserved. I actually quite like my drunk persona!

Anyway, I think this reputation is unjust. I think others see it as a compliment/impressive talent, but I'd rather be known for something else. The more I tell people I don't drink as much as they think I do, the worse it gets. Is there anything I can do? except give up the booze

What have people actually said to you regarding your drinking habits?

Have these things been said when you are drinking or at a time when you are sober?

Another way of looking at what you’ve said - half of all weekends you drink during the day, to the extent that your personality changes.

No one who doesn’t know you can say which version is fair.

Who is saying it? And to whom?

Nothing nasty and no suggestion that I need to drink less, but e.g one of the people with me this weekend text her partner to say she was going out with me and his response was "oh no, if you're out with ClinicallyProven" you'll come home smashed.

A friend who was also there told me she held me responsible for her hangover because I'm a bad influence. All in good fun, I'd just prefer a different reputation!

I don't make anyone drink BTW and if they say they've had enough or aren't drinking, that's fine with me, I'd never try to persuade anyone, unlike some of them!

I think they’re paying you a compliment. Not a very sensible one, mind. I’d just rise above it and smile and say “well, you’d better pace yourself like I do and then you’ll be fine!”

Do something that stands out more than your drinking, or cut your drinking back so that other aspects of you stand out more.

Drinking is the thing about you to comment on because it's what they've noticed.

But really, why are you so bothered what people think of you?

As you don't have a problem with alcohol and you are a pleasant drunk the only thing you need to do is accept you can't control what others think and stop caring about their opinion of you.

I never really understand this expression "I can handle my drink". I know it means that you can drink loads of alcohol without appearing drunk, but..... why therefore would you? Why not have a cup of tea? Cheaper and less likely to kill you by cirrhosis long-term.

You might appear to be "handling your drink" but you cannot see the damage it's doing.

Drinking once or twice a month?

There is most definitely a pleansant affect of the drink, I'm not "sober", I'm just not obnoxiously drunk.

The day drinking is only really a summer thing. A sunny beer garden with friends is one of my favourite things.

I have the same reputation. Most people like me when I've had a drink I think. I'm quite funny if I don't say so myself

I would just ignore it, people are starting to get really petty about other people’s perceived drinking habits since the whole lockdown/covid situation. Lots of people enjoy a drink a couple of weekends a month (which is tame compared to lots of people I know). As long as you know you’re fine and are happy with it just water off a ducks back. Rather that than be the miserable judgy boring teetotaller!

Most people who don’t drink regularly can’t handle all day drinking so possibly they don’t quite believe that you don’t drink at other times. It’s a bit unkind of them to keep commenting though. Maybe they are a bit concerned about you.