When i used to be a teenager, i found the idea of getting drunk absolutely dumb. I even argued the same points that the OP did. Then again, at that time, i never had a drink before (except a little on special occasions.) even to the point of tipsy.
After growing up, and trying it out (getting drunk) with friends, i found the experience fun. It occurs maybe maximum once a month. You know what i found? The reasons that i used to argue is not the fuel behind everyone’s reason for drinking.
Like someone mentioned, there are as many responsible drinkers as there are irresponsible ones. And unless you are shit-faced drunk, guess what, you do have self control. Now with friends, you feel very comfortable to act like an idiot to have fun (then again, don’t you do that to have fun with your friends when sober too?) but if i find myself in public place, i still have as much self control when i’m drunk like when i’m sober. I also find it fun because with all the shit that goes on in one’s life, sometimes it’s ok to let it not bother you for that time.
I have a question though to the OP. The reason behind pitting drinking the way you did…did something bad happen to you? Someone you know drinks a lot and behaved in ways that hurt you?
It seem I was drunk the day my mom got out of prison. And since the jail didn’t supply a ride home in those days I had to go pick her up. I recall it was raining at the time. Unfortunatly, my old pickup-truck wasn’t the fastest thing on the road, and just before I made it to the station she was run over by a damn old train. I guess what I really want to say is that you never even call me by my name.
If it weren’t for fermentation just think of all the quality music we would be missing.
Hey, as long as I’m not so sloshed that I’m flashing random people, picking fights with 6’7" 300# guys with tatoos, barfing in your car/on your favorite antique quilt/etc. or peeing on your bed, what’s it to you? Thats said, I don’t drink a whole lot, but I hate when some people (like my mother) start moralizing if I want to have a beer or a glass of wine.
I like to drink occasionally. A few times a week I enjoy a nice glass or two of wine and on the nights that are a bit chilly- a glass of merlot helps take the chill off. I find that it is relaxing and makes me feel less stressed at the end of a long day.
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As for drinking and driving… I dont get blitzed and decide I need to go somewhere. Usually if “heavy” drinking is involved I am either at home having a party or if I am out-and-about (taking a cab or using a designated driver is always in order). Yes, I have driven after having a drink before. Usually It is after I had had a glass of wine before/with dinner at a restraunt, and not even a hint of a “buzz”. I do not think in that case that is a bad decison.
As far as people who choose not to drink, more power to you, for whatever reason it is that you do not drink. I respect peoples choices. I do, however, get irritated at the fact that some people who choose not to drink get on some high (moral) horse and preach to others as to why they should not drink. As well as the people that pressure non-drinkers to drink, that is irritating as well.
I don’t have to drink, but I do enjoy a beer after work or a glass of wine with my dinner. Two or three drinks a week (at most) certainly isn’t going to do me any harm, and a lot of studies show that it may very well do my heart some good. I never have more than one drink when I have any expectation whatsoever that I might need to drive. So why shouldn’t I go on and have a beer under the right circumstances?
Yes, there are risks involved with drinking. There are risks involved with everything, you know. I could trip over the cat on the basement stairs and fall to my death. I could slip on a bar of soap, fall, and bust my head open in the shower. I could be mowed down by someone who’s drunk, deranged, eluding police, or simply not paying attention every single time I get into my car or take a walk. At work, an aggressive dog could slip its muzzle, break loose from its restraint, and maul me. I could spill a pot of boiling water all over myself trying to make spaghetti and wind up with third-degree burns. Does that mean I should never go into the basement, or shower, or drive, or go to work, or cook? No, it means I should take reasonable precautions to minimize the risks.
Because having pets helps lower your blood pressure. Besides, scooping the litterbox helps keep me humble, and lord, it’s hard to be humble when you’re perfect in every way.
You’re welcome to the vodka, though. I think it’s vile.
Why do I drink? Much of my job involves working with kids. After a long day of herding the little ones, keeping their sweet yet grubby fingers away from museum artifacts, engaging their wee little intellects and generally being a kind person and good role model, I deserve a beer, goddammit!
I drink because it relaxes me and makes it possible to read sanctimonious bullshit like the OP without flying into a rage and stabbing my co-worker in the eye socket with the blunt end of a highlighter.
Thats said, I don’t drink a whole lot, but I hate when some people (like my mother) start moralizing if I want to have a beer or a glass of wine.