To think life is actually better with an occasional drink?

[Boxthemup]

I appreciate some people can't have an occasional drink and I absolutely support their efforts to stay away from it altogether. I wouldn't dream of trying to persuade someone who doesn't want a drink to have one.

However, for the rest of us there is something lovely about being mildly tipsy. It's not that I can't enjoy myself without a drink, I can and do on a daily basis, but having a drink makes everything that bit more relaxed.

My perfect world is maybe 3-4 pints of beer and a putting the world to rights session with intelligent friends in a lovely beer garden or 2/3 bottle of wine and dancing.

I do one or other of these perhaps once or twice a month and thoroughly enjoy it/look forward to it.

I think this is a good thing?

@nobodysdaughternow has not torn into OP she has just pointed out that her experience is her own and not shared by many others so shouldn’t be expressed as if she has discovered the secret to a happy life

If you see any two groups of people, one drinking and one not, the drinking ones will be laughing more. The sober ones might not be miserable, might be perfectly happy but they won't be having as much fun

What an odd opinion. I've laughed with my friends until tears rolled down my cheeks on many occasions when alcohol wasnt involved. The idea that you cant have proper fun without alcohol being involved us very, very telling.

I drink wine a couple of times a week, I don't think of it as good or bad I just drink it

I used to drink a lot when I was young and thought I was having a great time - actually it was just the drink covering up the fact that I wasn't really comfortable with myself, lacked confidence/self awareness and didn't really enjoy large groups of people. Now I don't really drink, don't go out in large groups or laugh as loudly but I'm much more content.

Nothing wrong with going out for a lunch and having a drink with a group of friends if that's your thing though - but it's definitely not the answer to everybody's problems or something that other people must be missing out on if they're not doing it.

I too don't understand the extremism. Occasionally having anything, be it steak, sharing a bottle of red, a slice of cake, doesn't seem ok anymore.

Totally fine for those who can moderate. I can't so have given up altogether. I read a lot of 'quit lit' to keep me on the straight and narrow. It certainly changes your view of alcohol but I wouldn't dream of preaching to anyone about it. I wish I could moderate and just drink like a normal person!

@Donotunderestimateme Nope, that would just be you taking a general point to mean something personal to you. That's your problem.

People have been changing their brain chemistry in various ways since almost forever. Usually the ways they do so are found to be unhealthy or not ideal. Some continue to do so and others don't. That was the point I made - pretty simple.

There was nothing sanctimonious about my post - you have no idea what I personally use or don't use or my own struggles.

Same here.

I knew some people would be quick to sermonise about how they don't 'need' alcohol to have a good time. eyeroll Newsflash: there are very many people who don't 'need' it but can still appreciate the relaxation and mild buzz that comes with having one or two.

I disagree.

even a couple affects my sleep, then I’m tired and irritable the next day. Then I eat all sorts of crap in an attempt to feel better which just doesn’t help.

the problem is so many people see it as “a good thing” they do take issue when I refuse. A drink will help me relax apparently, or make me more sociable, or help me enjoy myself more.

it doesn’t help me. It just makes me feel crap 🤷‍♀️

I used to enjoy it but since I gave up I feel so much healthier and happier. I also think it is very possible to enjoy a catch up with friends in the sun in a beer garden just as much when not drinking if the company is good. I only miss it when I go to functions where I don’t know anyone very well now.

I had coq au vin once and I swear it took me over a week before I was able to leave my bed.
Alcohol really did ruin my life.
I will never recover from the shame.
😉😁😁😂😂

😂😂😂😂😂😂

I enjoy a drink but I have to drink when I'm "out", which is a couple of times a year.

I don't drink in the house because I grew up in an environment where drinking excessively in the house was normal for one of my parents and it often resulted in violence with my other parent. It's really fucked up my relationship with alcohol to the extent where I get really anxious if DP opens a can of beer at home. He's a lovely calm fella, and bless him completely understands my issues around it.

So your idea of "fun" is getting mildly drunk and laughing uproariously. But, you see, that's only fun to people who enjoy getting mildly drunk and laughing uproariously. So, no, you're not ever going to see me having "fun".

And coincidentally this just popped up on my FB feed. 🤣

Where has anyone mentioned laughing 'uproariously'?

It is odd to see someone trying to argue that laughter isn't a good thing

OP wrote: "If you see any two groups of people, one drinking and one not, the drinking ones will be laughing more. The sober ones might not be miserable, might be perfectly happy but they won't be having as much fun."

My experience is that drunk laughter isn't exactly quiet.

Slightly tipsy and drunk are not the same though

I agree. I love drinking. Not huge amounts , can moderate.

sun and wine and mates and dancing .. hope never to stop doing this .

And i love a glass whilst cooking .. pure relaxation

For me, it’s the hangovers. I get them even after a glass of wine. I didn’t used to be this way!

I really envy those who can have a couple and feel fine the next day! (Like my DH.)

Its both fun and a real ice breaker. A good way to bond with people too. Honestly I miss it! But the hangovers… it’s like I’ve been poisoned!

my Life is great without drinking.

What's wrong with just doing sun and mates and dancing? Surely those are the key bits?