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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Tell me about the people in your life that dont drink alcohol

131 replies

Netcurtainnelly · 15/12/2025 16:15

Fed up of hearing about all.the drinking posts on here.

Let's hear if for the people who dont drink or dont drink much and dont want to be pissed up all the time or live with drunks and all the hell that brings.

Myself and Mr NC Nelly.

Drink alcohol rarely.
Like Tea, coffee, latte, cappuccino, soft drinks and orange juice.

Orange juice/lemonade
Lime and Lemon.😁

Never needed alcohol to enjoy ourselves.

OP posts:
PommesdePlume · 15/12/2025 17:01

NorWouldTilly · 15/12/2025 16:25

Must say I was surprised to see the thread on a poster’s annoyance at having to host one non-drinker!

I’m a wine enthusiast and spend weeks sourcing exciting things specially for this season - but it’s very much quality over quantity and I’m not sure I’ve ever been drunk since the 1980s. The only thing I care about more is an uninterrupted supply of recently roasted coffee beans …

And anyway, surely everyone now is cognisant of the dangers of alcohol and would naturally provide a good selection of non-alcohol drinks if they’re hosting a party or Christmas gathering? The newspapers are full of recommendations for interesting new options, many of which are luxurious and more expensive than their alcoholic equivalents.

Edited

I wish I knew someone like you. I can't drink very much these days and would prefer what I did drink to be something really good.

I think my sense of taste is failing which doesn't help.

XWKD · 15/12/2025 17:01

I only drink alcohol a couple of times a year. I enjoy it at the time, but it doesn't cross my mind otherwise. I like the odd cocktail.

Other than that, God help anyone who ever tried to come between me and my crack pipe a nice cup of tea.

mumandmumber · 15/12/2025 17:04

To add that the non drinkers in my life are a mix of people who dont because they just never enjoyed it (though quite a few of them are big smokers instead) and those who have given up cos the repercussions weren’t worth it. I’m going that way too..

mippis · 15/12/2025 17:04

MIL can’t drink because of medication. I accidentally offered her mulled wine last Xmas. She got all angry and was yelling at me. It seems that she is not happy to be non drinker.

HostaCentral · 15/12/2025 17:05

I've been pretty much teatotal all my life. I do drink very occasionally though. I love a Pimm's or G&T on warm summer evenings, but that will be one or two a week.... And I will have some mulled wine and champagne at Xmas, but again, just a couple of glasses in a week. Most of the time I drink fizzy water or Ginger cordial.

DH on the other hand .... Will hoover up wine, whiskey, brandy etc. Our recycling will be overflowing with bottles!

Irememberwhenitwasallfieldsroundhere · 15/12/2025 17:06

I have quite a few friends who don't drink.

One was a big drinker but has been deliberately sober for 20 years.

Another 2 just don't like it much so never drink alcohol.

Another doesn't because of the effects after the menopause but she was never that bothered.

I drink but will generally meet the first 3 somewhere in between us and we'll both drive so it just doesn't crop up. We'll have 5 hours lunches sometimes. The other one is mostly at my house so I'll drink when I see her but she doesn't, she doesn't mind at all.

Livpool · 15/12/2025 17:07

Beerlzebub · 15/12/2025 16:33

I drink plenty. But I always find it odd how some drinkers seem to take it personally if someone around them isn't drinking 😆

Same! 🤷🏼‍♀️

ChristmasFaery · 15/12/2025 17:10

We don’t drink very much, we have the odd alcoholic drink during the year maybe 2-3 times and a couple of glasses of champagne with Christmas dinner. We socialise regularly with people who do like a drink though! It’s never something I’ve really thought about tbh because we always drive due to where we live. I’m a weirdo, I don’t drink tea or coffee as I don’t like it, I don’t drink soft drinks like Coke etc as I don’t like them either, it’s mainly water or if I’m cold hot water with lemon, bovril or rose and hibiscus tea on the odd occasion. Although we were in Thailand this year and found out I love coconut water. I suppose most people would find me boring. I don’t like the feeling of being lightheaded with alcohol and even one or two glasses interrupts my sleep so there’s not much point to drinking it imo. If we’re hosting friends or family we always have a variety of alcoholic drinks available for them and they’re welcome to fill their boots. I’d never judge anyone who does enjoy a drink.

Redbushteaforme · 15/12/2025 17:10

I enjoy the very occasional drink (maybe one or two every couple of months) .but just can't understand why people think they need to be boozed up to the eyeballs to enjoy themselves. I can enjoy myself fine without alcohol.

Littlebuddh · 15/12/2025 17:11

I dont drink at all.
Coffee and water thats it, id rather have a sober mind at all times.
I dont like the smell of alcohol and i dont like how it turns people.
And i really hate them that say a glass of wine or a beer chills me out.
Ive seen men and women drink at xmas time at 9-10 in the morning, oh well its christmas, got to get in the spirit, christmas drink bla bla bla.
I think you drink all year round ffs just this time of the year you start early.

Tbvvvh i cant stand the stuff seen too many chrismas`s ruined because of alcohol.
And the fact that alcohol gets the blame for arguments cheating, oh it was the drink i was so drunk its not my fault i was drunk, well no one forced it down your kneck.

RememberHowYouMadeMeCrazy · 15/12/2025 17:15

We used to drink most weekends before we had children but stopped drinking for years after we had them. We’d have an occasional drink once they got older but neither of us was really bothered. When I hit peri menopause a few years ago, I seemed to become completely intolerant to alcohol so I haven’t drank since and my partner doesn’t drink at all now either. I sometimes fancy a whisky and coke or glass of wine but it’s just not worth me feeling ill for. Our friends are a mix of occasional drinkers and a few who never drink. We are all quite health conscious now so heavier drinking days are behind us all.

Fionasapples · 15/12/2025 17:17

I used to drink when I was younger, because everyone did. I have never tasted an alcoholic drink that I liked, so I decided it was pointless to drink. I'm happy to be the driver. I love J20 or San Pellegrino or a diet coke. My favourite drinks are tea and coffee and water!
I have relatives who love drinking and try to get me to have a drink. They probably think I'm boring, but at least I'm not a lush like them.

ThatGentleCoralCat · 15/12/2025 17:17

Both myself and DP don't drink. I've never been a big drinker even when I was younger, maybe the odd special occasion I'd have a few too many but soon realised by my mid twenties I have a much better time sober! I'm quite happy going to the pub for a lemonade and a lovely catch up with friends.

itsgettingweird · 15/12/2025 17:18

I don't drink.

Neither does my 21yo DS!!!

schoolfriend · 15/12/2025 17:19

NorWouldTilly · 15/12/2025 16:25

Must say I was surprised to see the thread on a poster’s annoyance at having to host one non-drinker!

I’m a wine enthusiast and spend weeks sourcing exciting things specially for this season - but it’s very much quality over quantity and I’m not sure I’ve ever been drunk since the 1980s. The only thing I care about more is an uninterrupted supply of recently roasted coffee beans …

And anyway, surely everyone now is cognisant of the dangers of alcohol and would naturally provide a good selection of non-alcohol drinks if they’re hosting a party or Christmas gathering? The newspapers are full of recommendations for interesting new options, many of which are luxurious and more expensive than their alcoholic equivalents.

Edited

You can take my wine but heaven help you if you take my coffee 😂

Prisonbreak · 15/12/2025 17:19

I was raised and abused by addicts. No alcohol for me. But then I only associate it with the most awful things

MonkeyTennis34 · 15/12/2025 17:25

I very rarely drink alcohol.
When I’ve drunk in the past I’ve passed out and was choking whilst unconscious on one occasion.
I’m not sure if there is an actual allergy to alcohol but I think I may have it.
At Christmas dinner I’ll have half a glass of fizz diluted with fruit juice but only as I’m drinking it with a big heavy roast dinner.
For me, alcohol equals massive anxiety about passing out.

Sbmpp · 15/12/2025 17:27

Dh and I don’t drink alcohol. We don’t drink coffee or tea either. It’s part of our faith. Don’t miss it either. I do like those vanilla milkshakes with caramel things that Starbuck’s though!

Dolamroth · 15/12/2025 17:35

I used to drink in the pub but never got into drinking at home. When I had my first child I decided not to because I was too tired and a hangover was really bad with a baby to look after.
Then I did drink but found even one drink gave me a headache. Decided that I wasn't that bothered anyway and stopped.
I sometimes have a small glass of wine on holiday because it's Italy and the wine is delicious but I drink loads of water too. I think I had a cocktail once while we were there this year.
Won't have any at Christmas, new year I have minions champagne with the kids!

I don't miss it and still very much enjoy good times. I don't judge anyone drinking and it's nice that it's more common now so there's nice alternatives and af beer for a hot day. It seems to really bother my dad though. 17 years or thereabouts and he's still on at me to have a drink.

AngelinaFibres · 15/12/2025 17:37

First husband was an alcoholic. Don't like bring around people who are drunk. They think they're hilarious. They're just arseholes. Usually have a g and t if I'm having a drink. One us enough for me. I'm 60 and more than one sends me go sleep

Daygloboo · 15/12/2025 17:37

Netcurtainnelly · 15/12/2025 16:15

Fed up of hearing about all.the drinking posts on here.

Let's hear if for the people who dont drink or dont drink much and dont want to be pissed up all the time or live with drunks and all the hell that brings.

Myself and Mr NC Nelly.

Drink alcohol rarely.
Like Tea, coffee, latte, cappuccino, soft drinks and orange juice.

Orange juice/lemonade
Lime and Lemon.😁

Never needed alcohol to enjoy ourselves.

Used to like the odd drink and a giggle at college. Had ONE moderately sized glass of free chardonney at a sort of shop open evening about 20 years ago and woke up with the hangover from hell. ONE GLASS. Never had a drop of anything since but still manage to piss myself laughing at funny things. Oh. I did have half a glass of sauvignon one xmas. Didnt even finish it. Literally tasted like rot to me. Just dont like alcohol any more. Body doesnt metabolise it the same way when you get older.

Mischance · 15/12/2025 17:40

I haven't had any alcohol for decades - must have been about 20 I guess. Never missed it - very happy without. I have never understood why some people see it as a problem.

My reason was that I have a long litany of health problems and concluded that my body was very proficient at going wrong all by itself without me adding in a further trigger!

OnlyTwelveDays · 15/12/2025 17:41

Me and my DH have given it up, rarely drank much anyway, don't miss it
My adult kids have never drank alcohol, and don't see the need
I really enjoy nights out and nights in, and feel fine the next day, it's great

OllysArmyRidesAgain · 15/12/2025 17:51

My mum doesn’t drink at all due to medical issues and hasn’t had more than a sip of fizz for about 20 years.

In my teens and 20s I consumed a fair amount but found that it decreased by the time I was 30 with 2 DC

I am only an occasional drinker now, I may have a glass of something if out for a nice meal but am happy to drive and drink either Diet Coke or sparkling water. I only drink at home if we are entertaining and then just one.

I have been on WLI for 18 months and gave up my home drinking as part of working towards a healthier me.

My DH was never a heavy drinker, I have never known him to be more than a merry person in over 30 years. He will have a beer in the evening or when out if he fancies it. But never more than 2.

I don’t mind being out socially when others are drinking if they are taking it easy. But I have no interest in being with drunk people or people competing to see how much they can drink. I left the company Christmas party as the shots started last week

OopOop · 15/12/2025 17:51

Mischance · 15/12/2025 17:40

I haven't had any alcohol for decades - must have been about 20 I guess. Never missed it - very happy without. I have never understood why some people see it as a problem.

My reason was that I have a long litany of health problems and concluded that my body was very proficient at going wrong all by itself without me adding in a further trigger!

I was confused as your first sentence read to me like you hadn’t had alcohol for 20 decades 😁