To think you can be teetotal and have a great life

[Spinderelle]

In response to the research yesterday that suggests that no alcohol is a safe amount to drink.

Whether or not that’s true, I’ve been struck by the amount of people saying since that they’d rather live a full life than a boring joyless existence abstaining! I understand how much people enjoy a drink but just want to put the teetotal case - I’m teetotal because I simply do not like the taste of alcohol or the way it makes me feel and I have a very full life and plenty of fun on nights out. It’s the idea that you cannot have fun without a drink that’s very prevalent in our culture. Wondered if any other non drinkers had noticed this.

Of course you can. I have no interest in being teetotal, but I know lots of people who don't drink and whose lives are full and happy. And I know lots of people who do drink and whose lives are also full and happy.

I do enjoy a drink but as I’m getting older (mid-30s) I can’t handle hangovers anymore and deliberately limit what I drink as a result. My last hangover was accidental and horrendous and it’s seriously put me off, I had not long got over a sickness bug. One of those evenings where you’re sitting a lot, haven’t eaten enough, and haven’t noticed your glass being topped up because you’re too busy talking. Not much fun with small kids to care for the following day feeling like utter crap.

Even on 2-3 glasses you’re not firing on all cylinders the next day which with small, noisy, demanding alarm clocks isn’t ideal.

There was definitely a lot more pressure on me as a younger person to have a drink but these days I don’t think anyone genuinely cares and whereas I used to care if I was designated driver in my younger days, these days I couldn’t give a monkey’s.

I like a drink but if you told me I couldn’t drink ever again I’m not sure how much I’d care whereas 10 years ago the very thought would have horrified me. Mind you I used to love clubbing, out every weekend on the town wearing not enough to cover a toothpick, yet nowadays the thought fills me with utter horror and I think ‘goodness I hate late nights like that....those girls must be freezing

I think I’d happily quit alcohol for a year just to see how my life was without it and I don’t think it will be any different!

There's also plenty of evidence that alcohol is good for us.

Bollocks.

A very small glass of red wine per day MAY help protect the heart, and even that is in dispute.

All the latest research point to the fact that NO amount of alcohol is 'good' for you.

"This study is a stark reminder of the real, and potentially lethal, dangers that too much alcohol can have on our health and that even the lowest levels of alcohol intake increase our risks.

edition.cnn.com/2018/08/23/health/global-alcohol-study/index.html

chronicallyawesome congratulations on being 18 months alcohol free

lots of alternatives now: mocktails, j20, smoothies, lots of different coffees. iced or hot, ditto tea, or add fizzy water to fruit nectars or juice, not drank alcohol 40+ years don't miss it but ...don't stand in my way for first morning tea (or 2) if we are out with friends what they drink is their business. I think you can enjoy what you eat more

I'm not teetotal but I'm not much of a drinker either. I drink a few times a year and I like alcohol and it's effects but I have gone several years without drinking more than once in my life and I don't miss it.

I gave up alcohol 18 months ago and my life is so much better. I do sometimes miss the wild nights out and the crazy times but in the morning when I'm feeling great and my DH and friends are struggling with hangovers the feeling of smugness is so worth it 😂

dont like booze so dont drink. only reaction has been envy from those who always have to decide on designated driver.

but then I dont know any saddo bores who get smashed, and in fact I dont recall any even at university - people drank but nobody said anyone else had to. the swill and spew thing has never been anyone I know - or would want to know.

your mates are seeing their own shame and not big enough to deal with it.

I think teetotallers are the new vegans- ie they keep going on about it and no-one really cares.

I don't drink. I grew up in a household where my parents were both drinkers and I hated it. I was embarrassed to bring anyone home and hated the way they acted when they were drunk. It was awful to be subjected to this as a child/teenager. When I had my own children I didn't drink at all as I didn't want them to be exposed to it. I also wanted to be in total control of myself at all times, I was particularly concerned that they might get ill or have an accident and I might not be able to deal with the situation. Interestingly, neither of my two brothers drink - and they have great lives.

There's nothing missing from my life due to not drinking, and I have a good life. Drinking, to me, is absolutely pointless - I just don't understand the need for it. I've had all the comments from people trying to persuade me to take "just one" I used to just say "no thanks.

Bollocks

Nope. You know what is though? The study all over the media this week that you linked to. Complete and utter horseshit, I wouldnt wipe my arse with it!

I wouldn’t describe myself as teetotal but I don’t really drink (I can’t remember the last time but it has been well over a year) and it has no bearing at all on how enjoyable my life.

I don't drink. It's amazing how many people can't understand how that could be possible.

There are many reasons why some people shouldn't drink. Ever.
Those who are aggressive/irresponsible after a few are top of that list.

I think teetotallers are the new vegans- ie they keep going on about it and no-one really cares.

Exact opposite. I get pestered by friends/family each and every time we're together & people are having a drink... 'Oh go on, just a small glass...Really? Not even a little one? I'll just pour you a tiny amount, I'll mix it, what about with lemonade...'
it's fucking annoying.

Get better friends whitedust

I often don't drink and never have any problems or hassle.

Get better friends whitedust
Yeh. Must just be the people I know.

Or not.

Growing boys - what rubbish. Drunks are so boring that I do my best to avoid them. There's no point talking to them about being teetotal as they repeat themselves endlessly and have the attention span of a gnat.

Being alcohol free rocks big time

I'm very happy being teatotal and always have been - just never liked the taste of any of it and my parents were really cross with me when I refused to have a glass of champagne on my 18th birthday! My friends are great about it and if we're going out will always find somewhere with a decent selection of mocktails for me.

I don't know anyone who is teetotal. I don't know if it's a generation thing and everyone on mumsnet is younger than me (I'm 38). But out of all my friends (London, Devon and north west England based, university educated, professional jobs) absolutely none of them are teetotal. So it would be strange if someone suddenly stopped drinking (unless for pregnancy) although it wouldn't be an issue.

Of course you can. Rather a silly question.

You can absolutely but you'd be surprised how many people think you can't.

I don't drink for health reasons. Some people judge me for being a non-drinker and I find myself having to explain myself to them. Others accept it without question.

I definitely have a different set of friends than I would have had I continued to be a social drinker. Most but not all of them drink themselves. None of them judge me for not partaking. Life is better for that reason alone!

@Chouetted

missionitspossible Because I was at a houseparty. Everyone brings something (food or drink) and you share. It makes much more sense than BYOB.

Well then you can hardly complain if it was a house party, the clue is in the name.

I wouldn’t have a fun and full life without alcohol.

There are lots who feel the same way.

Sorry if that’s not what you want to hear.