# What amazing powers does the \*moderate\* consumption of alcohol grant you? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 4, 2002, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-amazing-powers-does-the-moderate-consumption-of-alcohol-grant-you/107188 "2002-05-04T01:00:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Calliope](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Calliope](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Calliope)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2002, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-amazing-powers-does-the-moderate-consumption-of-alcohol-grant-you/107188/21 "2002-05-04T18:00:36Z")
I get better at conversation, better at sex, better at dancing, more willing to do things inhibitions normally repress. I think the reason a slight buzz makes us all better at something is because it silences the inner critic. Of course, too much and the judgement goes with it… Oh, and strangely enough, when I have a couple of drinks, I emulate the speech pattern or accent of the people I am talking to. ---
**Author:** ![blur](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/dbc845/32.png) [@blur](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blur)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2002, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-amazing-powers-does-the-moderate-consumption-of-alcohol-grant-you/107188/22 "2002-05-04T20:11:25Z")
Just about the only thing I’m a little better at is darts. Sober, I suck, between 3-5 drinks, I can hit anything I need. After that, the curve sharply drops. ---
**Author:** ![BooBoo316](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e0b2c6/32.png) [@BooBoo316](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BooBoo316)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2002, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-amazing-powers-does-the-moderate-consumption-of-alcohol-grant-you/107188/23 "2002-05-05T02:22:22Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by ResIpsaLoquitor \* > \*\*I went 2 for 3 in a softball game this week while I was half-drunk. My catching skills went down, but my hitting went up. Go figure. \*\* Ah, softball…one of the few sports where drinking on the field isn’t just allowed, it’s damn near mandatory. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2002, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-amazing-powers-does-the-moderate-consumption-of-alcohol-grant-you/107188/24 "2002-05-05T03:40:18Z")
The ability to sleep for hours, without a break. ---
**Author:** ![capybara](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/capybara/32/202_2.png) [@capybara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/capybara)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2002, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-amazing-powers-does-the-moderate-consumption-of-alcohol-grant-you/107188/25 "2002-05-05T03:53:28Z")
I get very courageous and skillful on a bicycle in the dark. I climb trees without fear. I can also handle parrots without fear of being bitten, as it no longer phases me. ---
**Author:** ![Anahita](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a9a28c/32.png) [@Anahita](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anahita)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2002, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-amazing-powers-does-the-moderate-consumption-of-alcohol-grant-you/107188/26 "2002-05-05T18:39:08Z")
Good or bad, I’m much more honest when I’ve had a few drinks. Well, not that I’m dishonest when I’m sober, but in my single days, if I liked someone, and had a few drinks in their presence, I’d usually tell them. The next day I’d either be very happy I did, or miserably embarrassed. So, I suppose I have the _power_ to either get what I want or be really embarrassed. I’m now married and drink rarely, so, this no longer is applicable to my situation. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![hardygrrl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a3d4f5/32.png) [@hardygrrl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hardygrrl)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2002, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-amazing-powers-does-the-moderate-consumption-of-alcohol-grant-you/107188/27 "2002-05-06T04:08:44Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by blur \* > \*\*Just about the only thing I’m a little better at is darts. Sober, I suck, between 3-5 drinks, I can hit anything I need. After that, the curve sharply drops. \*\* I can drink all night and **still** beat anyone. 🙂 For me, it’s pool. I overthink shots sober. ---
**Author:** ![Dagny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9f8e36/32.png) [@Dagny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dagny)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2002, 5:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-amazing-powers-does-the-moderate-consumption-of-alcohol-grant-you/107188/28 "2002-05-06T05:33:40Z")
I’m much more enjoyable to be around and others who have been drinking find me attractive. ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2002, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-amazing-powers-does-the-moderate-consumption-of-alcohol-grant-you/107188/29 "2002-05-06T17:52:26Z")
I get more impulsive (this is all after shots, I don’t like beer). I was out wandering across campus with some friends who were likewise a little sloshed. I saw this girl walking a bit far off and zoom! I was gone. My friends had a hrd time keeping up and they are much more athletic than I am. I also get to thinking too much. I went to a strip club (never been to one before, I figured why not) and when I first went in I was nervous, uncomfortable and staring at the “girls”. I had a drink and spent the rest of the night giggling at the strippers, the guys watching them, and trying to have a serious conversation with the young lady my friends had hired to give me a lapdance. On a side note, booze + Grand Theft Auto 3 is guaranteed entertainment…and the more you drink, the more fun you have…at least in my book ---
**Author:** ![auntie\_em](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5e9695/32.png) [@auntie\_em](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/auntie_em)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2002, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-amazing-powers-does-the-moderate-consumption-of-alcohol-grant-you/107188/30 "2002-05-06T18:09:17Z")
I get better at both singing and dancing… …in fact, this past weekend I swear I morphed into Janet Jackson as the result of Cinco de Mayo margaritas. 😃 Oh, and apparently I can bring the house down with a wedding toast when the champagne has been flowing freely! I was Maid of Honor in **trishdish’s** wedding, and all I remember from my Moment of Toasting Glory was me standing there drunk off my ass, bawling, and repeating “I love you” into the microphone. Nonetheless, I made **trishdish** break down (and this without even engaging my backup plan, which was to start singing “Ebony and Ivory” :D), and as I made my way back to my seat (having blown my nose into **trishdish’s** veil, I looked around and _everyone_ was bawling like an infant (guess they were drunk, too)! When I arrived back home, my sister asked how my toast had gone. I told her about the whole bawling repetition of “I love you” into the microphone, and she asked, “Were you drunk?” Before I could even answer, my mother (who attended the wedding as well) huffed, “NO she was not drunk!!!” and said that I’d given a lovely toast, contrary to the story I was telling. So apparently, I’m also good at appearing completely sober when I’m drunk as a skunk! 😕 ---
**Author:** ![burundi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3ec8ea/32.png) [@burundi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burundi)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2002, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-amazing-powers-does-the-moderate-consumption-of-alcohol-grant-you/107188/31 "2002-05-06T18:53:27Z")
Ah, yes, **auntie em** , this ability is key. I actually discovered it myself last Christmas Eve. After dinner at my aunt’s, we all went to my dad’s church for a late service. I’d had, oh, four or so glasses of wine and was feeling prit-ty toasted. I just remember trying not to sway to much while my old Sunday school teachers came up to greet me. Apparently, I pulled it off, because later they all told my father I’d become a lovely and charming young woman. 😉 My Southern accent gets much stronger. I also have a tendency to kiss people or, on occasion, lick them. ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2002, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-amazing-powers-does-the-moderate-consumption-of-alcohol-grant-you/107188/32 "2002-05-06T20:48:58Z")
Add me to those like **Jojo** whose billiards proficiency skyrockets after a couple of beverages. Sober, I’m mediocre. With a slight buzz, I’m still mediocre but _competitively_ so. But like others have said, the real challenge is maintaining that perfect edge, without tipping over into incoherence and clumsiness. ---
**Author:** ![Maeglin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8baadc/32.png) [@Maeglin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maeglin)\ **Post date:** [May 6, 2002, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-amazing-powers-does-the-moderate-consumption-of-alcohol-grant-you/107188/33 "2002-05-06T21:31:33Z")
Somehow just the right amount and kind of alcohol makes me even angrier, more bitter, and more hostile than usual. ---
**Author:** ![Nocturne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/9fc348/32.png) [@Nocturne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nocturne)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2002, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-amazing-powers-does-the-moderate-consumption-of-alcohol-grant-you/107188/34 "2002-05-07T00:14:59Z")
My Italian gets a good deal better. I relax more with it once I’m leaning towards tipsy. I also am able to giggle uncontrollably at really random and inane philosophies I’m able to spout. ---
**Author:** ![Koffing](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/898d66/32.png) [@Koffing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Koffing)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2002, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-amazing-powers-does-the-moderate-consumption-of-alcohol-grant-you/107188/35 "2002-05-07T01:17:23Z")
Three words: Drunk Drunk Revolution. ---
**Author:** ![Ripple](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b2d939/32.png) [@Ripple](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ripple)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2002, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-amazing-powers-does-the-moderate-consumption-of-alcohol-grant-you/107188/36 "2002-05-07T01:20:12Z")
Moderate quantities of alcohol give me the power to ramble on pointlessly without end. ---
**Author:** ![amarinth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3be4f8/32.png) [@amarinth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amarinth)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2002, 6:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-amazing-powers-does-the-moderate-consumption-of-alcohol-grant-you/107188/37 "2002-05-07T06:35:15Z")
I can understand spanish. Still can’t speak it, but I can listen to conversations that other people are having in spanish, or tv, or radio, or whatever and understand it. I can follow much better, than I can straight sober. I can just dance better in general. I can’t sing better, but I can sing louder. I’m generally less shy, which is a very good thing. ---
**Author:** ![Essured](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/278dde/32.png) [@Essured](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Essured)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2002, 6:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-amazing-powers-does-the-moderate-consumption-of-alcohol-grant-you/107188/38 "2002-05-07T06:46:49Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Tsubaki \* > \*\* and my Japanese gets better too. > \*\* hehehe, me too **Tsubaki.** In fact, getting stoned makes it even better than with alcohol ! So much so, that my friend and I made sure we got stoned before our 3 Unit Japanese speaking exam for our HSC. (final high school exam, for non-australians) Doesn’t work for reading and writing, (that kanji makes no sense when you’re out of it) but it does work well for speaking, or so our teacher told us. ---
**Author:** ![widdershins](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f0a364/32.png) [@widdershins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/widdershins)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2002, 11:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-amazing-powers-does-the-moderate-consumption-of-alcohol-grant-you/107188/39 "2002-05-07T11:42:09Z")
I begin to act like a normal human being. But drunk I am never the same person twice. ---
**Author:** ![Incubus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/c68b51/32.png) [@Incubus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Incubus)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2002, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-amazing-powers-does-the-moderate-consumption-of-alcohol-grant-you/107188/40 "2002-05-07T16:52:12Z")
I write poetry better after a shot of whiskey. When I have a little bit of alcohol, it strips off the barriers that keep me from writing totally from the heart. After a couple of drinks, I can write stuff that literally bleeds with poignancy and sincerity. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-amazing-powers-does-the-moderate-consumption-of-alcohol-grant-you/107188.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-amazing-powers-does-the-moderate-consumption-of-alcohol-grant-you/107188.md?page=3)