I find it funny that while I’ve been slowly removing my “angryredhead” identity from the Interwebs, I’m pretty angry about a topic that’s arisen lately. After reading this article on Brave New Traveler, it’s come to my attention that many non-drinkers are assholes.
Read the article. A lot of the information seems seriously flawed, like the fact that people who drink are less likely to be depressed or suffer from anxiety. I would assume most often, however, that these issues often drive a person to drinking.
But what pissed me off the most was the condescending, holier-than-thou commentary from the non-drinkers. More specifically, the people who abstain from booze because they chose to do so.
I love alcohol. I am a heavy drinker. Some days, all I need is a cold bottle of beer to set my nerves straight. And there is nothing, nothing more refreshing than sharing a pitcher of Molson with some good friends on the deck of a restaurant during the height of summer. People have different coping mechanisms. At least I’m not beating my children.
Waste of money? Depends on how you look at it. I enjoy spending money to go out with my friends, hang out at pubs, go dancing, and meet interesting people. Cute boys with dimples and firm bums. If that’s what I enjoy doing, then why is it a waste? My money is my business. I put in my hours as a good citizen, working with charities and doing local volunteer stunts. If I want to get hammered and unwind, who gives a shit?
Drinking has never interfered with my professional life. I openly share my drinking escapades with the Internet and my readers because never, ever has alcohol prevented me from getting my work done. In fact, during my second year of college, I went out at least three times a week, sometimes crawling into bed at 4 a.m and then heading to class at 8 a.m…and I made the honour roll. Again.
Yeah, some people are irresponsible and reckless. Some people cannot handle their booze. Some people drive their cars into fences, or worse, other people. But seriously, an incredibly large, global drinking community cannot be held responsible for the actions of some morons.
The thing is, I’ve never looked down on people who don’t drink. I’ve never had problems connecting with non-drinkers, unless you’re religious and you find my lack of morality offensive. If you’re able to go out and have a ridiculously awesome time without alcohol, good for you…very admirable quality indeed, and I’ll be the first to admit I’m a little envious. On the other hand shut the fuck up, because frankly, you’re a small minority and nobody wants an arrogant prick for a friend anyway. On that note, when drinkers make non-drinkers feel uncomfortable for not drinking, or try to force them to wrap their lips around a beer bottle, those people aren’t worthy of friendship either. Nine chances out of ten, they’re just teasing anyway and will forget all about it when they’re blitzed themselves.
I’m writing this because some of those comments made me feel guilty about being a drinker. I’m well aware of the fact that I’ve done some pretty stupid things while drunk, but I’m on a mission to bare myself honestly to the world and I’m not going to mask my life for anyone. The way I look at it, everybody needs a good hangover day every now and then to appreciate the rest of the week. Everyone should wake up at least once a month with a searing headache, a mouth that tastes like an ashtray, and an enormous amount of shame, just to put things in perspective. Laugh at yourself. Laugh at your ridiculous friends. Laugh at the random guy’s number in your phone. Laugh about how you get laid more than non-drinkers.
Most importantly, laugh at this photo:
See? New friend!
This blew me away! I love that you spoke up on this. My friends are from both walks of life, and personally I’m a lite drinker, one that nurses a lager or two all night long cause I haven’t quite woman’d up to anything stronger.
But how a person unwinds is certainly their choice. Live and let live. I know I’ve made more stupid mistakes sober than drunk, so I can’t even blame outside forces. If you’ve held it together and lived life to the fullest, then I say kudos!
haha i loved this one dear! and my picture made it to your blog!
You drink and write about it…really? OMG, morality, really, people still have that? Have a blue moon on me and hang your hangover on me anytime.
hear, hear, sister! I think the bottom line is always keep your shit together and don’t judge others. Non-drinker, drinker, whatever, just get done what needs to be done, be nice and have fun.
Done, fun, that kinda rhymed. Don’t mind me, I’m five beer deep right now.
I love that picture. Awesome.
And thank you so much for posting this. This has been bothering me a lot lately too, because I feel ever since I starting blogging and sharing the world that I do drink quite a bit, there has been some judgment. I really don’t care what people think about me in most respects of my life, but about drinking? It is irritating.
You have articulated basically my exact opinion on the matter.
Meehhhhh.. ignore those lowlifes.
I think it’s actually worse for me coz of my race and religion. Plus, most of my friends who read my blog are non-drinkers. that’s why I don’t publicize my “wild” pictures so much on my blog. But hey, if my friend (who wears the muslim headscarf and is very religious) can still enjoy my company, I don’t see why others can’t mind their own business.
My brother was a non drinker for a while and we didn’t talk until one night he called me up and told me he was wasted.
We’re friends again.
I’ll drink to this article, cheers!
The second someone tells me they don’t drink, I cross them off my list for “possible friend”.
And I don’t feel bad about it. Not one bit.
oh candice, I love this post. I agree with you wholeheartedly! I’ve done stupid things while drunk ( which I’m sure you’ve witnessed a few of !) but I learned from them all. Every stupid experience has been an eye opener and has taught me about moderation. I now know how much I can drink that can either A) give me the little extra courage to go up to a guy,chat and flirt it up and go home happily or B) make out with a random then promptly puke off the majestic balcony stairs and have friends rock, paper, scissors on who is taking me home, haha. There is nothing wrong with letting loose after a stressful day or week by downing a few drinks, chatting with friends and having fun. I’ve gone out sober and I still had fun, but at times found myself wanting to have a drink to loosen up at bit and be on the same level as everyone else. As long as everyone is responsible and gets home safe, I say drink away ! ( but always make sure you have a friend close by who is a drink or two lower then you to double check your beer goggles so you don’t bump an ugly
)
if i’m not mistaken, you received a blunt delivery award BECAUSE you’re a raging alcoholic.
So.
great photo!!!
Dear The Tie That Binds: Do We Need Alcohol to Connect On the Road?
Hi. I was just writing you to congratulate you on how not hypocritical or judgmental your post was!!! Being a heavy drinker myself, I am inspired by your words to cast aside my drinking ways. I can’t believe that I have not seen my errors before. I too, want to live a life of depression and don’t want deep connections with people. Since my drinking obviously has ruined trips/ friendships, I have seen the light.
Signed,
Kettle
P.S. This post was awesome.
Great post! I think if you drink or not is a personal decision and if you are not hurting others, totally not something you should be judged on… Be you!
@Cathey: Thanks, Cathey! I’m so glad you dropped by. It’s awesome that some people are not at all judgemental, I really appreciate it.
@Lottie: Thought you might! And t’anks, it’s one of my personal favorites.
@Linlah: Nope, morality is a rare thing! I think drunk bloggers will take over the Internet.
@SO: I thought you were taking a beer vacation?! I’m proud of you.
@Carissa: Good, I’m glad! Speak out sistah! Let’s eliminate drinker discrimination.
@Nashe: Ahhh, understandable, especially if you have a lot of friends reading your blog. It’s nice to show that wild side every now and then though!
@J: Ah, alcohol, bringing families together since 1756. Love it!
@Rob: CHEERS indeed!
@LiLu: I love your criteria, I may also use it.
@Hevs: Soooooo true. Tis all about moderation! And not puking off the Majestic. Bahahaha. Wish I had witnessed that…such a classy affair.
@Brit: SO true! Hah! Alcoholism does pay off.
@Ryan: Thanks!
@Lola: I didn’t write about it in this entry, but seriously, one of my most favorite things about travel is the nightlife. i find a city/town’s atmosphere completely shifts when the sun goes down, I LOVE IT. And discos. Oh the discos!
@Cammy: Totally agree! Just requires some brains and common sense.
I don’t drink, and I love going out with my friends that do partake in the alcohol – the drunker they get, the sillier I get. WIN WIN.
I too am a fan of the drink! As long as I am not behind the wheel or affecting anyone else (Except when I am an idiot) then they need to BYOB!
Cheers!
Cheers to you – you should never have to feel guilty for doing something you enjoy
I may not drink heavily – but man, sometimes, like you said, a cold beer is just precisely the prescription needed! 
Thanks for writing this Candice! I, too, have gotten pissed off at those condescending, holier-than-thou attitudes. My totally un-eloquent belief? If you keep your shit together, do whatever the hell you want.
Alcohol can be quite lovely and I pity the people who, to stroke their egos, look down on others. One of my favorite quotes is, “How you do anything is how you do everything.” Totally applies to drinking or not-drinking too.
[...] my beliefs, regardless of what they are: drinking vs. non-drinking (props to my girl Candice for this article ), vegetarian vs. non-vegetarian, religious vs. non-religious) unless you happen to be stupid. [...]
Ahh, you are swell for doing so! I’d just get annoyed.
Agreed! And minus those sloppy, emotional nights.
Thanks! I love hearing from people who are not at all judgemental. It’s good to hear.