I don't drink.

My husband today sent me this article written by a woman who doesn't drink. And yes, by drink, we're talking alcohol. The title of the article is "My not drinking bothers friends," and I was immediately interested. See, I don't drink either. At least, not much. But I find that often in social situations, I feel weird about drinking a Coke, or just water. Although to be honest, it's probably more my issue than my friends' issue. I'm the one who's self-conscious. I can't even have dinner at a nice Italian restaurant without feeling weird that we're the only ones without wine. Why is it SO taboo to NOT be a drinker?

There's a great line in the article where someone asks the writer's husband (who also doesn't drink) why he's not having an adult beverage. His reply: "Listen, I'm a 30-year-old man. Whatever I'm drinking is an adult beverage." I love that.

The writer, who used to drink, quit because she didn't like where it was taking her. My excuses are a little different:

1) I don't like it. Plain and simple. I don't have a problem if you want to drink, go right ahead. But I just don't like the taste of it. I'd much rather spend my hard-earned cash on a Coke than a Cosmo, Corona, or Cognac. (And why ruin a perfectly good Coca Cola with Jack?) Sure, there are times where I feel like indulging, and I do, but it most likely involves a mojito or something peach. And just one.

2) Ignorance. I wouldn't know the difference between a Fuzzy Navel and a Sex on the Beach. All those bottles on the back of the bar look nice, but I have no idea what's in them, and my will to learn is nearly nonexistent.

So there you have it. I don't drink. At least, not much. So next time you're taking me out to dinner (see what I did there?), be glad I'm a cheap date!