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Original poster

Why don't you drink?!

103 replies

PontypandyPioneer · 16/03/2023 16:48

What do you say if someone asks why don't you drink alcohol?

There's no particular reason I don't drink, I don't want a hangover (have two young sons), the cost of getting a taxi to and from home and I never sleep well after a drink. So I'm usually at a loss at what to say other than I just don't want it, but it seems this isn't a good enough answer for most people! My husband doesn't drink either so it's not like it's because I'd have to drive.

I'm usually hit with a puzzled look and people saying "can I not even tempt you with one?"

Sometimes I feel like saying back "why do you drink alcohol?" but feel like I'd come across rude and defensive haha.

Any good responses?

Btw, I used to drink when I was younger and it just got less and less over the years until now I just never fancy one.

OP posts:
Lemonandorange · 16/03/2023 16:51

I like to make people as uncomfortable as possible so usually respond with "it reacts with my medication and would kill me" or "I'm a recovering alcoholic, do you wish me to relapse"?

A person favourite if a male, "Are you wanting to get me drunk so you can take advantage of me"

Ironically I actually do drink, I just enjoy messing with people

Sixgeese · 16/03/2023 17:01

I don't drink, but my answer is easy, I am on warfarin.

Alcohol effects my INR so I was told in 2001 when I was put on blood thinners that I could either have 1 alcoholic drink a day every day or no alcoholic drinks.

I opted for none as I was working in the City at the time where there was an afterwork drinking culture and it was easier to say that I don't drink than explain why I could only have the one but no more. I was never a huge drinker anyway so most of the time don't really miss it.

Because I am a Christian, people who know me, but not well enough to know my medical history assume it is on moral grounds, and DH, who does enjoy his wine, likes always having someone to drive home after a night out.

People shouldn't make you feel like you have to explain why not, lots of adults these days don't drink for all sorts of reasons, some of which they might not want to go into in public.

steppemum · 16/03/2023 17:02

well I don't like the taste, I'd always rather have a coke.

People who LOVE their wine and beer simply cannot get their heads roudn that

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General food
Timeforabiscuit · 16/03/2023 17:04

I don't need to anymore, not that now that I have our Lord Jesus

Is a better answer than I'm too old and alcohol doesn't like me anymore!

Birleygirl · 16/03/2023 17:15

I don't drink. Never have. It used to be more of an issue and people would assume you're boring and ask what do you do for fun.... erm plenty thanks. I don't need to be drunk to enjoy myself! Or they'd wistfully say they wish they could be like me with a pint in their hand....at 4am in the morning! Nowadays hardly anyone asks and if they do I assume they are nosey bastards It's no-ones business but mine. I've usually say I've seen the damage alcoholism can do and I don't even want to start going down that Rd. That usually shuts them up 😁

Nimbostratus100 · 16/03/2023 17:17

it don't like it and it doesn't suit me

OnNaturesCourse · 16/03/2023 17:18

Buff it back and ask why they like to drink?

GobbieMaggie · 16/03/2023 17:19

Because it makes me sick - which it does !.

weleasewoderick23 · 16/03/2023 17:19

I'm a daughter and an ex wife of alcoholics so I've seen the damage it can do. Also, I really don't like the feeling of being out of control. I drive everywhere so that's another reason why.
What annoys me though is that people can't seem to get their head around the fact that I don't have to drink to enjoy myself.

Emmamoo89 · 16/03/2023 17:19

steppemum · 16/03/2023 17:02

well I don't like the taste, I'd always rather have a coke.

People who LOVE their wine and beer simply cannot get their heads roudn that

I love wine

frozendaisy · 16/03/2023 17:20

Or say "my life isn't so bad yet I need to find happiness at the bottom of a bottle"

stayathomer · 16/03/2023 17:21

I used to drink a lot in college, then in 20s, eased off in 30s with kids and now am 42 and last week got drunk for the first time in about five years and my god I have no reason why I would ever bother to drink again! I like a fizzy drink better and I can get up the following morning (I lost two days with this night out, and work was hell on earth!!) Just laugh when they ask next time. They’ll change the subject!

Lampzade · 16/03/2023 17:22

I don’t like the taste. The end

LillyBugg · 16/03/2023 17:22

I just say that I don't like how it makes me feel. Which is true. It makes me anxious to be honest. I have no problem telling people though and it's rare I get odd reactions. Maybe just be more confident about it OP and just say you don't enjoy it.

pinkstripeycat · 16/03/2023 17:22

I have Emetophobia and feel sick after a couple of drinks. As soon as I say that people sympathise instantly.

Even when I was young out clubbing people got it.

ScottBakula · 16/03/2023 17:24

I do drink but not every time i go out , everyone I know doesn't bat a eyelid anymore , but them that do ask depending on the mood I am in get the following
I just don't fancy one
I have a early start
Why don't you - take drugs - smoke - work - have a dog / cat / budgie - go to the gym etc

Blabla81 · 16/03/2023 17:24

Because the last time I said “never again”, I meant it. This was in my mid 20’s and drinking just made me so ill. I’m 42 this year and drinking alcohol now seems alien to me.

Sadless · 16/03/2023 17:27

My brother died of liver failure at 38 due to the drink so I say that or because I cant afford it.

Sal

BOOTS52PollyPrissyPants · 16/03/2023 17:27

I just kinda stopped drinking in y 20's as got into fitness and was sick of hangovers and only past few years found out can't have gluten so was poisoning myself with alcohol and used to be sick for days. Would drink if go to a wedding or a funeral but besides that couldn't be arsed. Grew up with alcohol around family and did not want my son to see that. Have a lot of family who drink a lot and they tease me when I have a drink. Don't miss it at all as never sleep well either if have a drink. But now and again will have few drinks if a music session on in a trad pub in town when family visit and it is fun.

Saladjane · 16/03/2023 17:28

I'm breastfeeding currently - breastfeeding/pregnancy have been the reason I've given for the past 6 years. Although really I just don't like to drink, and if I did want to then I wouldn't have let breastfeeding stop me! Before that I'd just say I was on a health kick (usually untrue). Most of my friends are people I know through a sport, so it wouldn't sound weird.

ArseMenagerie · 16/03/2023 17:29

frozendaisy · 16/03/2023 17:20

Or say "my life isn't so bad yet I need to find happiness at the bottom of a bottle"

OMG don’t say this!

I say: I’m menopausal and it doesn’t serve me

that soon ends the chat 😂

Favouritefruits · 16/03/2023 17:30

I just don’t like the taste, even the smell makes me gag. I always just order a Coke Zero if someone asked me why id just say ‘I don’t drink’ and if they pushed it id be annoyed.

StrictlyAFemaleFemale · 16/03/2023 17:30

When people try and force beer on me my reply is always no thank you, it makes me fart like a bastard. I am then left very well alone.

Zola1 · 16/03/2023 17:32

Literally I just say 'I prefer not to as it doesn't agree with me'. Some people pester more and I start thinking wow leave me alone.

Sandysandwich · 16/03/2023 17:34

Depends on the person/the event/ how weird and persistant they are. Mostly I just order soft drinks that could be alchohol and most people don't notice.
It doesn't agree with me
Oh I can't with my medication
I have to be up early and get can get a hangover from one
I come out in hives
Its too early/late for me
It makes me really sleepy
I'm on antibiotics
I can't my aunt is staying at mine and shes a recovering alchoholic- wouldn't want her to smell it on me
I'm doing dry (whatever month)
Gave it up for lent
No cos I'll need to pee and I can't use a public toilet
Already stoned- no point mixing the two
Still hungover from last night
I'm really really craving a sprite/coke
No I can only drink cranberry juice while I've got this horrible UTI
Pregnant
Gotta stay sharp- I have an important meeting later/thing to prepare for
I'm driving