Moderator
No - not rude not to drink. The only thing that would be rude is in the way it handled (which I am sure you do beautifully). Seen a fairly polite "would you like a drink?' turn into a lengthy (and rude) spiel about why they don't drink, when just a "no, thank you" would have been enough.
2014 BellyBelly RAK Recipient.
I do enjoy the odd glass of wine, but I tend to do that at home when I'm cooking dinner. Usually means in my own company! I often get asked about it, weirdly by my parents, who all know that I'm not really a drinker!
I cop it more over the fact that I don't drink coffee. It makes me bolt to the nearest loo and be violently sick, whether it's in a cake or as a drink. But people don't really understand that one either and just think I'm weird. Maybe I am
I certainly don't think it's a reflection on the people you're with whether you drink or not. If someone around me wants to drink, then go for it! Just because I'm not doesn't mean you can't.
Registered User
im not a huge drinker either and i often get the annoying questions about why i don't drink. like you i have been ttc for 3 1/2 yrs now and i want my body to be as healthy as it can be.
i do not think its rude not to drink. i hate the drinking culture in australia at the moment and think there is so much pressure at all social events to have to drink. why can't we just have water or a softdrink without having to explain ourselves...
im very passionate about this subject coz it just annoys me sooooo much.
Registered User
This...
the Australian drinking culture has alot to answer for, it has gone on since day dot and is now a pretty serious problem....from what happens on schoolies, to serious health issues...gosh, I would never think someone was being rude if they said no to an alcoholic drink, but it seems to be a very Australian thing to assume that all social occasions warrant copious amount of alcohol in order for fun to be had and there is a great deal of pressure for people to drink in order to fit in. - pretty sad actually.
2014 BellyBelly RAK Recipient.
I find it very frustrating myself as well. I get this problem with family, not friends though. Go figure hey?!
My own family enjoys a responsible well-earned celebratory toast, while DP's family enjoy the whole bottle, plus extra, including drink driving.
After 8 years, and yes I do enjoy a nice drink, I still have trouble convincing the in-laws that I just don't want to have a drink or don't need a drink to socialise (albeit because I HATE what they drink) My IL's just cannot fathom being happy or sociable without being 'under the influence'.
Registered User
I guess some people might think it's rude not to be a social drinker but I haven't met any yet... that I know of.
I live on a uni campus during the semester with 200 other, mainly younger students. You'd think the peer pressure would be significant but it's not. I know more than a dozen who chose not to drink and it's not just because they are under-age (many are 20 and older). It's just because they choose not to for various reasons and they don't even have to explain... people just accept 'no thanks'. One girl doesn't because alcoholism runs in the family, others don't because of religious reasons but that doesn't stop them from being 100% involved in the social occasions... yes, they dance and have fun along with the rest of us. Maybe the education is finally filtering down to younger generations about the damage done by peer pressure... if so then I'm seeing it in action with these kids
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