Happy Monday! I like Monday’s way too much. If you went away for Father’s day weekend then you might have missed…
- The winner of the ice cream maker
- My comparison of peanut butter prices
- A tiresome Saturday
- Silly breakfast confessions
- Lessons from a future father
Now, I was debating saying what I’m about to say: It might shock no one; it might shock a lot of people. I’m not going for shock. I’m writing this for the person wondering if it’s OK not to drink, whether that be in college or elsewhere in life.
Let’s back up: Between last Monday and Tuesday night, I ate 1/2lb of chocolate, or 8oz. It was a baker’s block, and I kind of laughed it off like “Ahaha, no biggie. It was yummy!” But it did make me think of my slightly addictive personality. I mean, I was the kid on the block who–when I got into something–I REALLY got into it. I think my Beanie Baby collection is proof enough for that, as well as a lot of other obsessions/semi-addictions in my life(none illegal). What if that block of chocolate was really a bottle of wine? Would it be as funny then?
Like you know, recently I’ve been reading this book. One of the things I’ve learned about Kathy Griffin is that she’s taken a sip of alcohol once in her life and won’t drink again. Then what she said really struck me: She talked about all the alcoholism in her family and was convinced that if she had a drink today, she’d be an alcoholic in a week. That was the secret fear I was facing all along. I could also really relate to the next thing she said: “Like I need to loosen up any MORE?”
Now’s a good time for some disclaimers: It’s not like anyone in my immediate family has a real alcohol problem right now(and I knew I’d need to stick that one in there somewhere to cover my own ass if my mom reads this one, who, by the way, this news will devastate). And I don’t think that drinking is inherintly bad or cast a “holier than thou” message. If you can drink and be happy and keep it healthy, keep on trucking; what do I care? But this is me recognizing what’s right and what’s not for myself.
So I’ve taken about 5 sips of alcohol in 19 years, and that’s about as much as I expect to take in 81 more(cause, you know, when I hit 100 all bets are off). And I’m sure there’ll be times when it’s awkward to say “No, I don’t drink”. And even though probably 90% of social gatherings after 8pm at college involve alcohol, the majority of people couldn’t care less about what you’re drinking if you don’t spill there cup. And the kids that do care–well, let’s just say they aren’t going to be heading up any Fortune 500 companies any time soon so why should you care? If anyone does give you shit, send them to me(that way I get more site hits 
),
How did we get to this point? Oh, right. I will eat my chocolate, but not drink my wine. I have my 1 vice, and I’m happy with that. Superman had his kryptonite, too, so it wasn’t like he was getting wasted with Lois Lane between stunts. And there you have why chocolate makes me not want wine.
I really wish I could say I didn’t drink, but in reality, it’s something I love to do and I make up for it in other ways. If I didn’t want to drink, I wouldn’t. It would be very difficult because ALL of my friends drink, but I have enough self-control (hello, I stopped eating for 2 years…) to not drink if I didn’t want to. I just LOVE beer!! I had some friends in high school who didn’t drink, and yeah we gave them “sh*t, but still loved them all the same and had great times with them always. I say more power to you Evan!!! You’re an inspiration
Stick to that chocolate addiction!
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good for you! i honestly did not start drinking until my 2nd year of college – all throughout high school and the first year of college i didn’t. and it wasn’t a big deal. yeah, i probably didn’t go out as much, but i was dealing with other things. i obvs do drink now, but i find that a couple drinks here and there is okay with me. i have NO desire to go out all night drinking like i used to. the feeling afterwards is NEVER worth it. in other words – DO WHAT YOU FEEL IS BEST FOR YOU.
if it came down to chocolate or beer for me – chocolate would ALWAYS win
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I’m honestly not a huge fan of drinking either. I’ll have the occasional glass of wine or the occaional beer, but I’d rather eat than drink. And when I do “drink”, I’d rather it be a mocha frappucino from starbucks.
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p.s. LOVE the new site layout!!!
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i love it.
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I love wine and beer – it’s a treat to me, just like chocolate for you
I have a really healthy relationship with alcohol, if you can even call it that as it has never been a problem of excess for me. I would have trouble giving it up, however! I love social gatherings and having a drink…I enjoy being “posh” in that way, I guess!
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Chocolate will always win for me too. I honestly do drink for social reasons and probably once a week but only 1-2 glasses of wine since I am such a light weight. However, I was quite the lil rebel in high school and early college…let’s just say I’ve learned that too many drinks = emotional and (too) silly claire
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I am not a huge drinker here either. I pick once every couple of years and just let it go…mostly because people say they never see me drink. Peanut butter is my drink…I just love it so!
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This is ironic considering I *just* published a post on drinking in college. I’m not big on it either…
And I didn’t know Kathy wasn’t a drinker…most comedians are! (Not trying to sound judgemental haha)
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Good thoughts…I’m not a drinker either. It’s a little tough being in Italy, but I’ve discovered some great non-alcoholic drinks that seem to ward off the comments you get when you’re just drinking water, haha.
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Amen to standing your ground! I just left a comment on danielle’s/runs on green’s blog about drinking about a commenter she was addressing. Some times alcohol works in life, sometimes it doesnt. Phases of life thing. And I have gone black and white, to the extremes, on both ends based on life. Good for you Evan for sticking with your goals/ideals and whatever anyone else says…screw em!
1/2 lb of choc? you burned that off by 8am as Im sure you already ran like 15 miles by then
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Good for you, Evan! It’s all about what’s best for the individual. One of my roommates was a non-drinker in college (and we went to a BIG drinking school, lol) and she had just as much fun as everyone else. And to my knowledge, no one gave her any shit about it either. Stick to your guns!
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As long as your holding a cup, no one cares what your drinking. There’s a picture of me with a red cup of orangy-red stuff. What was in it? Watered-down juice.
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I totally hear and respect where you’re coming from. And Michelle is right, as long as you have a cup in your hand, no one will even question you. If they do, punch them in the face
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You might change your mind as you get older..
I have definitely had my moments of heavy drinking, but I drank far less than my friends ever did, both in quantity and in how often I would have a drink. I am always the designated driver, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Now, however, I find myself ordering a glass of wine or having a beer more often than I ever have. I almost always only have 1, but I really enjoy the taste of a good wine or a nice light, cold beer.
All that to say.. just keep your mind open. Not everyone drinks to get wasted, and you might find as you get older that you will enjoy a glass of wine with a special dinner or a beer during a BBQ
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i love this post!!!
after the worst 2 years of my life coincidentally being the 2 years i drank, i gave it up and never looked back.
yeah, i’m the weird girl, but i’m the weird girl who is true to herself.
-rebekah
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i’m glad you recognize and acknowledge this! so many people do not and only see their behavior as a passing “phase.” i’m heading into my fourth year of college now and have never really been a heavy drinker. at the moment i RARELY drink and when i do, it’s like…one or two glasses of wine. sometimes i feel awkward at parties when someone offers me something to sip on and i politely decline and receiving a decidedly WTF? look. good thing i care less what other people think, right
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anywho, keep working with what works for you!
i much prefer chocolate, too!
(p.s: first time commenteeeeer! what whaaat! you’re hilarious, btw!)
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I had my drinking moments in college. They were fun. If you don’t want to drink and you can still have fun in college, then great! I find that even having just a glass of wine with dinner can be very fulfilling. Drinking doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll go overboard, but I know on a college campus that can be difficult. Anyway, stick to your chocolate. It’s always a good vice to have!
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I love this because I just graduated from college and have only had a few sips of alcohol, like you (even on my 21st). I don’t drink for a lot of reasons including just not liking the taste. It seems like most college students need alcohol to enjoy life, but I don’t see the allure in drinking one bit. I still go out with friends (I don’t judge those that do drink), say “no thanks” if offered a drink and sip my water – I’ve never had a problem (although my good friends don’t really drink either). I bet none of the hard-core drinkers at your school could get up after a night of drinking and run 10 miles with you, so you’re all the better for it. Keep doing what’s right for you, not what society says you should do
!!!
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I am so happy that you are comfortable enough with yourself to make this decision. You are VERY wise.
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I prefer chocolate, too. I don’t drink. I’m 33 and have had a few sips here and there, but I honestly don’t like it. It’s entirely possible to have lots of fun while sober. There are several alcoholics in my family and I have a hard time seeing anything good in alcohol. I think those who want to drink, should, as long as they remain responsibly within the parameters of the law. But for me?……please pass the chocolate.
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That’s exactly how I feel! It’s always nice to know there are others out there who also feel that way.
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Evan, I love this post. Kudos to you for choosing not to drink. I know how influential it is at college especially because you’re right activities commence at 8pm and last until the wee hours of the morning. I think your running will thank you for it. I know that since I graduated last year, I have lost my desire to drink. dont get me wrong I am a huge wino and enjoy a good glass now and again, I just dont like to be drunk because I know how it makes me feel the next morning.
You rock, keep on that chocolate
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Good for you!!!! I don’t understand why people get so offended/judgemental when others around them don’t drink. It’s kind of weird if you ask me, because who the eff cares? It doesn’t affect them. Plus, I have my most fun when I go out and drink water. I really admire you though because I don’t think I could’ve had this attitude when I was in college.
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Coming from someone who just completed graduate school, 23, and only “tried” a few sips of alcohol here and there, I welcome you to the club! I honestly don’t drink for many reasons, but to be honest, the biggest reason for me is that I just do not enjoy the taste. I get the comment all the time “well it’s acquired!” to which I respond, “Well then I don’t want to acquire it…” I have friends who drink and know that I don’t, and honestly I have NEVER been given a hard time about it. People honestly don’t care, and like you said, so long as you don’t spill THEIR drink, they don’t care. I definitely have other personal reasons, and past medical conditions that deter me from drinking alcohol, but at the end of the day, like you said, it comes down to what’s right for you. Good for you! Absolutely love your blog!
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Interesting. I respect your opinion and stance (and Kathy’s)…but my father is an alcoholic – and I swear I will never be like him – but I still am able to drink a few glasses of wine or beer. It’s my life. But good for you! We are all individuals.
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