“So wait, you really don’t drink?” I get this question quite frequently. As a 21 year old college student who enjoys going out with friends and socializing at bars and clubs, it is quite unheard of not to drink in such situations. When I go to a house party and am offered a beer, or am chatting with someone new at the bar and am asked if I’d like a drink, I simply smile and say, “Thank you, but I’m all set.” However, as I spend more time with someone and the conversation progresses, or I see them throughout the night and they notice I don’t have a drink, I seem to be continually met with a look of slight confusion and genuine curiosity.
Coming in to college I thought not drinking would be viewed as uncool, prudish, and downright strange. What I’ve learned is actually the opposite, so today I’m going to share with you why it’s really ok not to drink in college.
The people who matter won’t care.
You can be a designated driver and keep others safe.
You can appreciate the choices others make, while being confident in your own.
I am a firm believer that we can each make choices that are right for us, respecting our health and well-being (and this varies for everyone!) and that you should not feel ashamed if you are not part of the majority.
How do you feel about drinking or not drinking in college?
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