Community Chat

[Lucky Charm]

I don't drink enough.

Seriously.

So I gave it up and it kind of happened around the holidays.  An easy New Year's resolution.

I'm finicky and worse, a vegan.  And worse than that, I only do organic.

Hard to find a restaurant that serves my preferences if I want to enjoy a glass of wine.

Well meaning family and friends will have it for me, but rarely will any one else will help me drink it--because even though it looks like a normal bottle of wine, it's organic and.....vegan.

In most cases, I could take it home with me.  Opened.

I like my wine at room temp.  No wine cooler fridge for me.  

I only drink 3 to 4 ounces usually.  Rarely go for that second glass.

So a bottle kind of goes to waste.  Was thinking about one of those bottle stopper/preserver thingys, but they are pricey.  Thankfully, my wine wasn't expensive.  About $20 a bottle.

I always felt the need to nibble on something, have no idea what food is proper to pair with a merlot. Okay, don't know--don't care. Crackers dipped in hummus was what I usually had.

I also think I'm allergic to wine.  I would drink my glass while we watched Jeopardy.  By the end of the show, I would be 'nasally'. 

And noticed I couldn't sing well whenever I drank.  I happen to have a great singing voice. 

So, during a commercial break once I googled it.  Yep, most likely I'm allergic.

Oh well, so I save 20 bucks a week now and hopefully I won't crave those accompanying hummus and crackers, so I may benefit after all.

[cerb]

Interesting topic.  I find myself rolling my eyes a lot on tv shows like The Doctors, or Dr. Oz, because they'll be discussing lifestyle choices and then they always seem to get around to the drinking of wine.  They always seem to make a joke out of it and laugh along with the audience members and assure them that they'll get to continue drinking their wine and everybody acts relieved and laughs some more.  They act as if they would all die if they didn't get their alcohol.  The truth is that 29-30% of Americans don't consume alcohol at all, and they're doing just fine without it.  I wish that more of the doctors on tv would add the statement that it's okay if people choose not to drink at all.  30% is a high percentage of the population to be completely ignored. 

[Mominohio]

I'm not sure about this challenge and it's real reasons, but I can say that I know a lot of people who drink multiple servings of alcohol every day of their lives. 

Are they alcoholics? I don't know. Could they stop for 30 days? Many of them, I highly doubt. 

I think people who hear this challenge, and drink alcohol on a regular basis, might want to take it , just to see exactly where they are on the spectrum (if there is such a think in relation to alcohol addiction/use). 

They might be surprised how much they are drinking that is unnecessary (as in they aren't addicted or don't need it to relax, enjoy, socialize etc. and don't miss it that much), or they might realize they want/need alcohol more than they thought, more than they would like, or more than is healthy for them. 

I don't drink. 

I have in the past, never really liked the taste of beer or wine or liquor, and don't need it to fit in socially (some places and situations, it can seem like I am the only one without an alcoholic drink in my hand, and I'm ok with that),     don't need it to relax or enjoy myself, so there is just no reason for me to partake.

[Oznell]

@tsavorite, I am so sorry to hear your account of your frightening childhood with a parent perpetually under the influence.  As one who's worked with a number of children of alcoholics, I've heard over and over the harrowing stories of fear, confusion, anger, conflicted feelings, abuse, and the tragedy of children simply not being able to rely on the affected parent.  The normal trusting bond between child and parent is severed.

Your feelings are entirely understandable under the circumstances.  Whenever I know someone with the history of what you describe, I just want to salute them for having survived.

[Group 5 minus 1]

If you must be that concerned about alchol consumption there may be a problem.

[chrystaltree]

I saw that and I think if going a month without drinking alcohol was a big deal for me; I'd accept that I have a drinking problem and go for help.  If you "have to drink" that is a danger sign.  Alcohol, even wine is not a big deal for me.  I have a glass of wine or a mixed drink when we are out at dinner with friends or for a special occasion.  

[Moonchilde]

Wine does seem to be the “In” alcohol. What is fashionable or popular changes over the decades and goes in and out of desirability.  

When I came of drinking age it was dry martinis made with gin or vodka and vermouth (a real martini, vs what they call martinis today), or mixed drinks. Beer with certain foods. Wine? Not much.

Today, both craft beer and wine seem to be more popular with younger drinkers.  I have always had a love-hate relationship with wine. I will drink it and enjoy it for a time (months, years) and then be completely off of it, or only into red or only white, and back again.

I now live in the middle of wine country (there are quite a few different terroirs in CA), have access to anything I might want at any price range - and I’m really off of wine these days. I want a mixed drink or a craft beer.  

I know that we lose the ability to taste certain things as we age and regularly start losing taste buds in middle age.  Our taste likes can change because of it. I could go wine tasting/buying any time - but my heart’s not really in it.

[GenXmuse]

Oops! 🍷

[jackthebear]

same nonsense as going makeup free

everyone has a platform to announce their business. 

guess what, no one cares about your personal life.  

Live your own life and don't listen to all this nonsense,  

[jackthebear]

3 rd attempt to post, will probably get 3 posts now 

same nonsense as going makeup free

everyone has a platform to announce their business. 

guess what, no one cares about your personal life.