Non Drinkers?

[Lairde Guardn]

This is a good group to know when looking for a D/D

[renren]

I'm usually a 2 drink maximum, then it's back to water, and tea/coffee.

However, I am developing a taste for Captain Morgan...It's Serena's fault ,she got me started, at Red Lobster...And I'm totally grateful!

[PurpleDragon]

I've never drunk Non.  What does it taste like? 

BOL.  JACK, you naughty pirate.


Now, Back on topic,  I cannot say I'm a non-drinker, but I can sympathize and empathize with those that state they do not. I am a recovering alcoholic with 24 years of sobriety under me belt.  Does that mean I do not drink at all?  No, I still drink BUT, I no longer live in the bottle and tend to limit myself to one or two, I have been known to tie one on, but I do not drink every day all day like I did oh so many years ago.

[Tipsy Gypsy]

I drink in moderation, but having grown up among alcoholics I totally respect those who choose not to drink, whatever their reasons.

At one time, I tried to drink 'till I fell off the floor...wound up clinging to it for dear life, instead.  

[Randal]

I never was much of a drinker, but have quit completely since developing type 2 diabetes. Alcohol does really weird things to your blood sugar. Since I want to keep my fingers and toes, and everything in between, I gave up my 2-3 drinks a year.

Don't really miss them, but ice cream... That's a different story.

Randal

[gem]

Another non-drinker who never liked the taste--or the behaviors that result from overindulgence. I've never liked bar/pub atmospheres either for a variety of reasons (not tolerating smoke being a big one). I go to faire to watch and mingle with other oddballs, watch performances, ogle merchandise. No drinking required for enjoyment. 

I don't like the alcoholic aspect of faire but understand that beer companies are often sponsors or pay top dollar to vend.

Ditto.  I have to admit that I hardly ever hang out even in this section of THE FORUM because it seems like drinking/mead/rum/pub hopping/etc is so many people's main reason for being interested in Fair.  I can't identify with that, so... (shrug)

[Trillium]

As much as I joke about it and have many "virtual drinks" here, I actually don't drink much, maybe a drink once or twice a month.  At faire, I may have 1 cider, but often times not even that.  Alcoholism runs in my family on both sides and I have no desire to go that route.

[remission]

Another non-drinker who never liked the taste--or the behaviors that result from overindulgence. I've never liked bar/pub atmospheres either for a variety of reasons (not tolerating smoke being a big one). I go to faire to watch and mingle with other oddballs, watch performances, ogle merchandise. No drinking required for enjoyment. 

I don't like the alcoholic aspect of faire but understand that beer companies are often sponsors or pay top dollar to vend.

Ditto.  I have to admit that I hardly ever hang out even in this section of THE FORUM because it seems like drinking/mead/rum/pub hopping/etc is so many people's main reason for being interested in Fair.  I can't identify with that, so... (shrug)

Yes, I know. I feel almost excluded because I'm not one of the people drinking and everyone else is. My friend works at a pirate tavern and somtimes I feel like Im not as welcome, just because I order ice tea, then others that order pitchers of whatever liqour they want to get wasted on that night.

[Queen Bonnie]

 I enjoy drinking- but when I go to fair by myself- I have to be the designated driver. One drinkie is not easy- but I love my Meowmobile- dent free!
I am still searching for another designated driver- so I can go back to designated drunk! LOL!
  Faire is fun no matter what you drink! Or Don't!

[renren]

I enjoy drinking- but when I go to fair by myself- I have to be the designated driver. One drinkie is not easy- but I love my Meowmobile- dent free!
I am still searching for another designated driver- so I can go back to designated drunk! LOL!
  Faire is fun no matter what you drink! Or Don't!

You said it!

[BrokenArts]

Ditto.  I have to admit that I hardly ever hang out even in this section of THE FORUM because it seems like drinking/mead/rum/pub hopping/etc is so many people's main reason for being interested in Fair.  I can't identify with that, so... (shrug)

If thats all people were interested in, there would be nothing but talk about beer, and pubs!  I've never thought that.  There is too much going for the faire to solely think that.  IMO.  Maybe some do, they REALLY have a warped view of the faire.  We know there are some of those people out there.

[Rage]

I usually don't drink much at fest. Had a few issues with that. I do drink outside of fest. My fiancee hardly drinks outside of fest but does drink at fest so... I have a driver outside of fest and she has one at fest.

Works for us.

[will paisley]

Another non-drinker who never liked the taste--or the behaviors that result from overindulgence. I've never liked bar/pub atmospheres either for a variety of reasons (not tolerating smoke being a big one). I go to faire to watch and mingle with other oddballs, watch performances, ogle merchandise. No drinking required for enjoyment. 

I don't like the alcoholic aspect of faire but understand that beer companies are often sponsors or pay top dollar to vend.

Ditto.  I have to admit that I hardly ever hang out even in this section of THE FORUM because it seems like drinking/mead/rum/pub hopping/etc is so many people's main reason for being interested in Fair.  I can't identify with that, so... (shrug)

Yes, I know. I feel almost excluded because I'm not one of the people drinking and everyone else is. My friend works at a pirate tavern and somtimes I feel like Im not as welcome, just because I order ice tea, then others that order pitchers of whatever liqour they want to get wasted on that night.

Well, from a merchant's perspective, you're taking up space that a steady drinker could occupy, while drinking something which is much less profitable for him (even if they don't give free refills, I'm guessing it's unlikely that you'll be ordering half a dozen ice teas during the course of an evening).  It's not fair, but it's true.

From the perspective of the other people drinking, there is often a sense of anxiety about why the sober person isn't drinking.  Is it for religious reasons, in which case, does the non-drinker think I'm sinning (or going to hell) when I drink?  Does the non-drinker consider drinking to be stupid, meaning that they may be judging me for my behavior (either for drinking in the first place or acting drunk afterwards)?  Granted, a whole lot of drinkers couldn't care less, but there are more than a few who do.  To put it in non-drinking terms, imagine going out to a restaurant with a whole group of friends, while one person at the table sits there the whole time and sips water.  Regardless of the reason for the abstinence, questions will be asked, and probably a few people will feel a bit uncomfortable.

I feel a bit lucky in that I can tell people that I'm a "retired professional drinker".  That lets people know that I don't have any opinions or judgments about alcohol other than I personally can't handle the stuff.  Also, a lot of people are often sympathetic to my non-drinking after hearing that.  Still, there are always a few who "wish" I could still drink, or try to figure out a way I could "get away" with drinking again. 

My home faire is very much a drinking faire, and what the regulars can't buy at faire they often bring in.  Hardly a day goes by when somebody doesn't offer me a slug out of this or that flask, to which I politely say "No thanks".  For some, saying sober at faire wouldn't be faire at all, others spend the whole day talking without seeing a single show, and still others read a book, sew or make lace all day, never stirring from the quiet spot by a tree they sat down at first thing in the morning.  I learned a long time ago not to judge how others choose to enjoy their faire day.

[BrokenArts]

Wisely put will paisley.

[Tipsy Gypsy]

I'm disappointed to hear that people would even ask why, Will, but sadly I suppose some do. Personally, I don't; "No thanks" doesn't need an explanation.