What Sophie Said

I wrote a post almost four years ago about the fact I don’t drink. I think it’s less unusual now than it was then. Times are changing in the world of health, food and drink, and I’m no longer greeted with the same level of shock when I say I don’t drink alcohol. I think a part of it is also because I’m no longer at university, a bubble where such a big part of the culture is nights out. I’ve never drunk, and I don’t plan on changing that. I still go out. I still enjoy myself, I’m happy being around others who are drinking. I’m just not interested myself. There are so many reasons why I don’t drink, or maybe why I didn’t start when I was younger. Now, at 24, the reason is simply that I never have, and I don’t regret that. I can see the appeal of a glass of wine with a meal, but I don’t feel like I’m missing out. I should make it clear that I’m in no way an adventurous person when it comes to drinks in general. I drink water most of the time, occa...

I’m 20 years old and I don’t drink alcohol. Not a drop. Ever. And I never have. I find it so interesting to see how people react to that. Usually, they laugh as if I’m joking, or look at me as though I’m an alien. Being a non-drinker just doesn’t seem to be socially acceptable, especially when you’re a student. I feel like admitting I don’t drink causes people to instantly jump to conclusions, like I never go out, I’m unsociable and I can’t have fun. At times, I’ve found myself avoiding a drink altogether in certain bars or clubs, so as to avoid the awkward questions. In the last three years, since leaving home and going to university, I’ve had to think a lot more about the fact I don’t drink. Whatever people say, there is a drinking culture based around universities today. I saw a friend at Christmas who admitted he had never tried out for university sports teams because he didn’t like the thought of being forced to drink so much at socials. Those who do go out and do drink will ins...