I don't understand why drinking is such a prevalent activity, amirite?

I don't drink, but I still find your lack of comprehension here a little amusing and a little scary, too. It helps folks lose social inhibitions, relax, and have fun. It isn't rocket science.

by Ok-Cockroach 1 month ago

I like your answer, but it's too succinct. Can you stretch it out into 10 paragraphs to match the question?

by Anonymous 1 month ago

hahaha

by Anonymous 1 month ago

I will add that biologically alcohol affects different people differently. For a portion of the population it's much more stimulating and euphoric. This typically means a higher addiction rate in those people. It also tends to carry genetically, which is one of the reasons why alcoholism tends to "run" in families. If you're not one of those people, as OP noted alcohol makes them tired and antisocial, I could see why it's hard to understand why other people enjoy it so much.

by Royal-Baseball-3399 1 month ago

I think as a kid it is more euphoric, and as an adult it is more numbing. Take from that what you will.

by Anonymous 1 month ago

I'm like this. If I am in a social situation with people I'm not familiar with, I'm kind of brash and fairly unpleasant. Get a beer or glass of wine in me and I start to be more "loose" and after the 2nd beverage I'm good to go. My anxiety goes through the roof and some alcohol or a small edible help me calm down and be more friendly to everyone!

by IndependenceSlow9438 1 month ago

Also, we're watching the world fall apart in real time and that's easier to deal with after a few beers.

by barrowsshanel 1 month ago

Is losing social inhibitions a positive thing though?

by Significant_Town4391 1 month ago

I sometimes feel shy or awkward in social settings and making conversations, especially so if it's with people I'm not very close to or know well. After a couple beers, I usually tend to feel a lot less shy and awkward in these situations. So yes, I consider this a positive thing.

by Anonymous 1 month ago

Shouldn't we strive to work and better ourselves so as to be able to naturally loosen our 'social inhibition' instead of taking drugs?

by Anonymous 1 month ago

No, but if someone wants to they can.

by Anonymous 1 month ago

Can be for some, can be detrimental to others.

by Such-Relation 1 month ago

Absolutely. I have some nasty anxiety in large group settings. If I have a couple beers (not talking about getting black out hammered), I am as social as I observe other "normal" people to be when they are not drinking. Yes it's poison and a crutch, but for me it evens me out to the point where I feel "normal". Otherwise I'm just standoffish or a home body who just won't go out and socialize.

by reillyschoen 1 month ago

The drinkers occasionally will regret the loss of the social inhibitions next day. Non drinkers never do.

by Anonymous 1 month ago

Social inhibitions are there for a reason. They are generally good. If you can't relax or have fun without booze, there is something genuinely wrong with you.

by Anonymous 1 month ago

Counterpoint: introverts with more restrictive inhibitions being able to loosen those up with a beer or two. It really isn't rocket science.

by Dependent-Station-50 1 month ago

lol this is crazy. Some people are just shy. Its not that deep

by Anonymous 1 month ago

Historians have argued that one of the reasons we even have civilization is because of making booze.

by Anonymous 1 month ago

There are plenty of introverted people who don't have something "genuinely wrong" with them. Those people may want to be more social and find that having a drink or two helps loosen them up. They may also have 100 other hobbies and things they enjoy doing that don't involve alcohol. Life isn't black and white.

by Anonymous 1 month ago

It's only being a part of human socialization/culture for 10,000 years.

by Relative_Reporter_85 1 month ago

It literally may have been the motivating factor behind agriculture and thus all non-nomadic civilization I'm not even pro-drinking. It's poison. But like, its very self explanatory what there is to like about it socially and culturally

by caroline98 1 month ago

Funny how alcohol might actually be one of the least poisonous aspects of our society

by Alone_Arm_697 1 month ago

See that's wild

by Anonymous 1 month ago

people make it out to be something so much deeper than it actually is. many people enjoy drinking because it makes you feel good. some people even enjoy getting very drunk!

by Millernoemi 1 month ago

Patriarchy might be even older and is nonetheless a bad thing.

by Anonymous 1 month ago

🙄

by Relative_Reporter_85 1 month ago

Virgin mentality

by Anonymous 1 month ago

People enjoy drugs.

by Potential_Bit 1 month ago

I have a tendency to ramble Well that's an understatement.

by MembershipOk 1 month ago

Over like three sentences too, which really backs up the argument.

by Anonymous 1 month ago

Don't like it? Fine. Don't drink it. Is it so hard to accept others may enjoy something you don't?

by No-Spirit-770 1 month ago

"why do people do things that make them temporarily feel good?"

by Anonymous 1 month ago

If you don't like the taste, that's totally fine don't drink it. But it's a little odd how perplexed you are. I'm sure you're smart enough to comprehend the idea that other people have different likes and dislikes. Dry weddings are almost universally disliked because you're taking the choice away from your guests. If someone doesn't want to drink, they don't have to but it's rude to decide no one gets to partake in a popular activity just because you don't I think you also are missing that there's a large gap between sober and drunk. A beer or two makes me more relaxed and engaged with people, it certainly not drunk

by Anonymous 1 month ago

the whole "why do you need it to enjoy things?" argument is so tired imo. I promise, 98% of people who drink can and do have fun without it. But what's wrong with enhancing the fun?

by Millernoemi 1 month ago

Yeah it's one of the things where you don't have to personally understand it to accept that other people enjoy it

by Anonymous 1 month ago

it's just a moral high ground thing imo, which is honestly ironic bc I know plenty of lovely and fun sober people and it's never those people who feel the need to figure out why people drink. It's always the holier than thou d-bags

by Millernoemi 1 month ago

I mean for real. The ceremony is when you're quiet and respectful. The reception is for your guests to party

by Anonymous 1 month ago

Yall must have not been to a Muslim wedding lol (we have to drink in the parking lot)

by SituationSpare5617 1 month ago

My friends family was running a little bad operation out of over of the hotel rooms

by Anonymous 1 month ago

I think for one, it's not fair to act like people having a beer with dinner at your wedding means they're going to be drunk and obnoxious. I also view wedding receptions as being for the guests not for you. You're throwing a party for them, to thank them for coming to the ceremony and supporting you. When we got married that's how we saw it, as an event we hosted. The ceremony was for us, the reception was for them. I guess it's a different view on how we see hosting because personally I view the responsibility of hosting an event to mean my guests are my primary concern and it should be the best experience for them as possible. The best food and drinks I can provide. I also think it's your responsibility to manage your own sobriety if you're sober, and if you can't be around people casually drinking with dinner then that's a you problem you need to manage. I don't think it's fair to assume the worst of your guests and act like they're a bunch of drunk savages just because they like partaking in a very common, ancient social activity at a party

by Anonymous 1 month ago

You can do whatever you want, but a lot of people will not enjoy it, many will complain behind your back (some to your face), and the place will clear out by 8:30. If it's an event solely for you and your partner, why are you even inviting anyone else?

by Leannoncaleigh 1 month ago

It's a crutch as old as civilization.

by Anonymous 1 month ago

Self-aware don't care

by Lanky_Pangolin_9299 1 month ago

And ramble they did lol

by EngineerBig 1 month ago

Tastes nice and makes everything funny. Pretty simple tbh

by MammothSufficient728 1 month ago

I disagree with the first part. Also, people are all different when drunk.

by No-Tough8981 1 month ago

It starts tasting nice when you're drunk 😉 But one you get used to the taste and your brain turns off the "it's poison" response, it genuinely can start tasting ok

by Huldadouglas 1 month ago

They just want Adderall.

by Altruistic_Aspect 1 month ago

This is it. There is gonna be a boom in pharmaceuticals. Over the counter meth is a decade away

by Ordinary_Collar_508 1 month ago

less irresponsible drunk drivers then

by Anonymous 1 month ago

It goes back to the invention of beer, it was always a communal activity. And while people felt like they couldn't connect to others they always had the excuse of alcohol to make them more comfortable. I don't drink at all myself.

by Grouchy_Musician 1 month ago

Alcohol causes reward chemicals to release, reward chemicals cause you to seek something out in the future

by Anonymous 1 month ago

I didn't read all that but I got enough to get that you're spending my too much time thinking about this, including when you drink. Just go get high or something, I think you need to relax, friend.

by Anonymous 1 month ago

Have a beer and relax.

by Anonymous 1 month ago

This

by Anonymous 1 month ago

Been to a couple of ‘dry weddings'. They're not dry in the parking lot of the hall the reception is being held in. Teehee.

by Anonymous 1 month ago

Half the party is crowded around an open trunk, passing a mason jar.

by Anonymous 1 month ago

I drink simply because I don't like people. I get dragged out to a social occasion. Sober, you're a absolute asshole. If i have a beer or 2. You're tolerable. If i have 10 beers. Wife has to take me home because I'm too drunk. Thus cancelling said social situation to which I didn't want to be involved in. Win win.

by Anonymous 1 month ago

I saw a tweet the other day that said non drinkers are freeloading off the jovial atmosphere provided by the drinkers. Now, I'm not saying you should have to drink or anything like that - if you don't like it or don't want to then don't! But I do think it's true that bars/pubs only have the atmosphere they do because people loosen up and enjoy themselves more with a drink. A bar full of sober people would just feel like a cafe.

by Anonymous 1 month ago

the classic example of the atmosphere is comparing being one of the first people to come to a party and the person who comes late to a party when everyone's drunk.

by Millernoemi 1 month ago

It is okay to not understand.

by Anonymous 1 month ago

A lot of people have social anxiety my dude.

by FondantArtistic6000 1 month ago

Iain't reading an essay for something you could've said in one paragraph. 🧐

by Anonymous 1 month ago

I don't drink and sometimes drinking culture perplexes me. The folks who brag about getting drunk for example. I don't find the fun in that. I have had to deal with friends who were drunk as the designated driver and honestly it's not something to be happy about or brag about. Drinking to unwind and have a good time is a different matter. I don't have a problem with that.

by Berniecegoyette 1 month ago

Beer is so awful. I have friends who will drink 7 or 8 Coors or Bud Lights in a night. Why?? I drink 2 glasses of Jameson or Titos and I'm just as drunk as them without feeling like I just ate an entire loaf of bread.

by Naomie08 1 month ago

Have you seen this timeline? For those of us who can't THC is the best way to selfmedicate

by Kristin89 1 month ago

Sounds like you need a drink bro, chill

by brittany43 1 month ago

I didn't read all of that book but I also am not a drinker, you're not alone we are out here living life without alcohol. I do smoke weed though always liked it more.

by Anonymous 1 month ago

No one cares if you drink or not. I don't get where non-drinkers get this idea from. The bar is there for those who may want a drink. Most people don't drink to get drunk. Some do but they don't care if you drink or not. If they get drunk and act stupid, they look stupid and suffer the consequences.

by National-Goose6304 1 month ago

I don't get where non-drinkers get this idea from Because I can't go to an event with alcohol without at least 1-2 people trying to give me alcohol, then trying to convince me when I don't want it/being confused that I don't want it. Most people don't care, but there are always a few that do for some reason lol

by Anonymous 1 month ago

She states that when she says shes not drinking a bunch of people are upset with her and try to pressure her. I've seen this happen to people myself. So some people do.

by Laurypouros 1 month ago

its funny because on average europeans drink a lot more alcohol especially in the central and eastern part

by Anonymous 1 month ago

This feels specific to parts of Italy and France, the drinking cultures of the UK, Germany, and Eastern Europe are pretty dramatically different

by caroline98 1 month ago

I'm glad my parents taught me how to drink like a European. When I was 13 or maybe 14 my parents started giving me 2-4 oz of a beer or wine that paired well with whatever we had cooked together as a family. It wasn't enough to get me even remotely drunk and it taught me to appreciate alcohol as a tool in the kitchen and a flavor enhancer. Sometimes my dad would let me sneak a light beer while we were camping, working in the garden, fishing or watching baseball. When I came home horrifically hung over after my first high school rager my parents sat me down and told me the following: You should not drink in excess. if you do decide to drink in excess make sure you have a snack and a little water in between drinks and keep the sugar consumption low. Getting wasted and blacking out or being stupid isn't cool. What is cool is having a few drinks and having a good time while also being level headed and in control of the situation. If you can't control your situation while drinking you've gone too far and might have a problem. Keep in mind that unless your name is Keith Richards trying to be cool too often will absolutely kill you.

by Anonymous 1 month ago

This should be Southern European rule.

by Anonymous 1 month ago

I drink and I don't quite understand it myself 🤷🏼‍♂️ but , yes, social activity.

by EducationalLog 1 month ago

Legalized drug consumption. It's not hard to understand.

by Anonymous 1 month ago

I have never tried alcohol and I find drunk people intolerable. So I just avoid being around them whenever possible. To each their own. Alcohol is a legal poisonous drug to consume though. Whether people want to accept that reality or not, it is what it is. I don't think there's anything wrong with someone drinking if that's what they want to do. But it's a sign of weakness if you HAVE to have a drink.

by Head_Landscape 1 month ago

Personally it just seems like you need to find better friends who share your interests. If you hate drinking why are you hanging out with people who not only seem to drink to excess but also can't handle their booze? You're going to bars and clubs and are wondering why people are drinking?

by Fluid-Finish 1 month ago

In recent years, people with social anxiety seem to be coming out of the woodwork en masse. Also of note: the number of people who drink alcohol is on the decline. These two things may be related.

by Illustrious_Job 1 month ago

It's a nonactivity activity. People don't want to come over and do nothing. They also don't want to come over and have to work, or anything that feels like work. Drinking gives you something to do without really having to do much.

by Anonymous 1 month ago

i drink maybe twice a year max and my partner doesnt drink at all. not rocket science to understand that people like feeling uninhibited and loose in social settings lol. i dont drink simply bc i dont rly like the taste (except like a malibu cranberry) but its not hard to grasp why people are willing to deal with temporary grossness for a night of fun. also lots of people enjoy the taste, so. yea.

by Anonymous 1 month ago

I think you do understand but you're trying to jump through a bunch of mental hoops to justify not liking it. If you can't stand the taste your body is probably just rejecting it because you're not healthy enough to consume alcohol. Let me guess, you're skinny and have a "fast metabolism" but really you just don't eat enough calories per day and don't stay hydrated? I think you want to like drinking and are actually jealous when you see other people having a good time with it.

by Feestzechariah 1 month ago

I wanted to have a dry wedding (husband doesn't drink because he doesn't like the taste) but HIS siblings threw a fit about it (the siblings rarely drink but their partners drink a lot) so we ended up including an open bar because they told him it's the right thing to do at weddings to keep guests happy. It is annoying to be around drunk people so I understand where you're coming from but I do notice that more often than not, whoever I'm with gets past their limit where they start to act different and I just don't make it my problem.

by Glad-Force-4379 1 month ago

I ain't reading all that. I'm happy for you tho. Or sorry that happened.

by Disastrous_Sport8515 1 month ago

You're being judgy and making it into a thing with your friends. No one wants that — ESPECIALLY when they're trying to have a good time. That's what you're getting such a poor response. I know plenty of people who don't drink. They're aware enough to either skip those events where it'll be too much or to control their impulses to act and say judgmental stuff.

by Blicklenny 1 month ago

It makes it easier to talk to people, done.

by Chemical_Towel3608 1 month ago

I drink because murder is illegal

by Anonymous 1 month ago

I just read the bold points. But I only consume alcohol only a few times a year. I never could understand why everyone feels alcohol NEEDS to be wherever and with whatever type of situation.

by Guilty_Goat4397 1 month ago

Alcohol is mankind's oldest friend. We can't abandon a friend.

by Anonymous 1 month ago

Peer pressure! That's it. I never had any interest in alcohol either. Also many people grew up with parents who drank and so do it too.

by Able-Ebb 1 month ago

Almost no one needs alcohol to have fun, but at an event like a wedding where many guests may know only a small handful of people (including the two busiest people at the event), something that helps to smooth the social wheels is certainly going to be welcome.

by Unlucky-Place-8139 1 month ago

"Basically alcoholics?" Um no. Alcoholism is a serious problem that destroys lives, and you trivialize the condition when you say stuff like this.

by Blicklenny 1 month ago

If you don't understand, you aren't supposed to understand.

by Opposite-Minimum 1 month ago