To think you’re viewed as boring if you don’t drink it only drink a little?

[Ihatemyroad]

Based in UK I think that’s relevant.

Mums evening out from school (primary) and all other mums arrived by taxi or husbands dropped them off so they could get ‘on it’.

It was a meal in a pub.

I’m not a big drinker anyway and can’t do hangovers especially with little ones who still get up during the night.

I was first to leave and think I was viewed as boring because everyone else seemed on a mission to drink the gin dry!

Anyone else felt uncomfortable in a situation like this because they literally have one drink and stop. I don’t think I’ll be on the invite list for next time.

I've had both ends of the spectrum as a none drinker. 1) I'm happy to be designated driver and they're happy to save on taxis. Not drinking doesn't stop me having a dance or making a fool of myself on karaoke. 2) I've had people bring me vodka and lemonade instead of the just lemonade I asked for in a round 'because it's no fun if you're not drinking'.

I don't hang out with 2s anymore. If they don't like you respecting your boundaries, it's their problem.

I had one person buy me a drink and a shot, and I think I offended them when I left them untouched, but they knew I didn't drink.

Many years ago someone gave me a gin and tonic without telling me what it was. I had a mouthful before I realised. I was cross about that one.

I have experienced this now I'm tee total, but I just don't mix again with anyone who thinks that.

I'm an alcoholic, I stopped drinking last November and haven't had so much as a mouthful since. I am very open about this. Everyone important is proud of me, my friends love having someone to drive and I know I'm far from boring sober! I don't mind seeing others get drunk, as long as it's not ridiculously so.

I couldn’t care less how much other people drink 🤷🏼‍♀️

But this is all in your mind as you’ve not written that anyone actually said anything. I wouldn’t drink on a work do, and I’d be leaving in time to have a shower and be in bed by 10pm. Don’t care in the slightest what anyone thinks.

I don’t drink at all now, I don’t care if people think I’m boring. I’d rather be boring than addicted to alcohol as I was before. I do find people tend not to want to go out as much which is a bit sad I suppose but equally I think people are also glad of a lift home!

I am a lightweight and only ever have one, maximum two drinks. I don’t feel that I’m biting or think others think I am as I like to have a good laugh when I’m out. I don’t advertise that I don’t drink much or comment on what others drink. I think of alcohol in the same way as food, some people will eat more, some less.
in my mind it’s more boring to only have a good time if you drink loads.

How do you know you were viewed as boring? Maybe they found your company so scintillating they wanted you to stay, drink or no drink.

No I've really not noticed this. Possibly depends on the friend group?

I put yabu because you seem to be projecting.

I'm not sure how old you are, but I'm mid forties and I have some friends who are teetotal and some who drink.

It wouldn't cross any of our minds to think people who don't drink are boring.

Loads of people are teetotal now. Seems like an immature attitude to view non drinkers as boring.

I think you're probably projecting your negative views of drinking onto them

Nothing more boring than stupid drunk twats trying to be funny or profound.

Couldn't care less if people drink or not. Drunk people are bores. Boring people are boring wether they drink or not.

I should add, I drink, but not to get drunk. Just to chill out.

Nope. I don't drink but I can (and do) still get involved in a boozy night out.

I have a laugh, have a boogie, play drinking games, I just don't drink alcohol.

I also don't mind properly splitting the bill rather than paying less because I've not had alcohol.

I feel sad for the other mothers who have to drink so much just to feel that they are having a good time.

Good on you.

NOBODY CARES if, or what, anybody else drinks or why.

That's just not true though. It should be true, but it isn't. Lots of keen drinkers do call other people boring for not drinking.

Some people seem to be saying 'YABU OP - sober people are not boring!' The OP isn't saying sober people are boring, but that they are often perceived as being boring. She was the sober one!

I voted YABU because I have never met anyone who does that.

One of our close friends is the teetotal (and usually volunteers to be taxi). DH can drink everyone under the table and have zero hangover so he'll drink a lot. I have a lower tolerance for alcohol so tend to drink a glass or two of wine and then move onto soft drinks. No one has ever called me boring.

In fact, my friends and I are experimenting with zero alcohol versions of various alcoholic drinks at the moment as we're all getting to a stage where we like a nice drink, but not necessarily the hangover that comes with it. Pubs these days have so many alcohol free options that its more accepted now to not drink.

Some people are boring when they don't drink
Most people are boring when they drink too much
Some people are really good company regardless, but for me, the best nights out are the ones where everyone has a few, remains in control,but is comfortably tipsy.

That's not to say anyone should drink if they don't want to, but a few drinks all round does help an evening go with a swing.

For example, I was recently involved in organising a dry comedy night, attended mostly by people with alcohol issues. It was really hard to book comedians, they know people don't laugh as much sober. That may be because the comedians aren't very good, but the audience are enjoying themselves less too.

Iloveallrainbows - I think that's precisely how the op feels, possibly not a great attitude

This is really interesting, especially the observation that the comedians might not be that funny.
Most of the laugh out loud fun I've had has been sober, with people who are genuinely hilarious.
But realistically, most people are not incredibly witty or scintillating company. Most of us are at best moderately interesting and occasionally amusing, resulting in a fairly mediocre social experience. Alcohol can lift this, in perception at least, to a fantastic night out.
This is probably particularly true with groups thrown together, who may have nothing in common beyond the age of their child, and who might struggle to entertain each other sufficiently without alcohol. I think these groups can be quite invested in getting everyone on board with drinking and yes, do judge those who don't.

I often go to my local theatre, pretty much everybody drives and the passengers has only one or two drinks if any and the comedians get loads of laughs.

Yes, another example was a wedding I attended where one side of the family was Salvation Army and no alcohol was available. No one danced.

Now, of course, no one should feel they need to dance if they don't want to, but a few drinks does get people up and it's not much of a party and a waste of the disco if no one does. One or two or even half the people staying sober and not dancing is OK, but you do need somebody to get the party started.

Half the audience having one or two would make a huge difference compared to everyone stone cold sober though.

I’ve let friendship groups go when I have realised that all they want to do when they get together is get smashed. I find it totally boring.

No desire whatsoever to get trashed and be a part of the whooping cackling inanity.

They probably think I’m boring and weird with my books and early morning sea swims, writing, art and music. So be it!