Non-Drinkers- Do they even exist in Society
There has always been some kind of charisma around the people who drink. Probably 99% of people know that “Drinking is injurious to the health”, but still they drink. I asked some of my friends why do you drink, even if knowing that it is not good for their health. They said if we drink within limits, nothing going to happen. Even some doctors drink alcohol in limited quantities. So just chill, drink and enjoy! I started thinking- why do people even drink alcohol in the first place?
· Have they broken up?
· Are they under corporate pressure to deliver?
· Have they not gotten the promotion they wanted?
· Have their plans to visit Goa with their friends been canceled?
· Are they facing toxic relationships with family or friends?
But then I encountered people who also drink in the following situations:
· When they got the love of their life, and when they are celebrating their anniversary
· When they are smoothly cruising through their corporate career
· When they got their promotion
· When they visit Goa with their friends
· When people have reunions with their family and friends.
You see, people drink anyways- whether they are sad, depressed, angry, happy, excited, or successful. So, I started to wonder if are there any non-drinkers in society who have not drunk alcohol till now. I know there are a few people. I am one among them. But are they really accepted in society? In a group of friends, who get together and called out the drinks, the one who says No is always looked down upon! I never resent those who drink. They might have their own reasons, and its acceptable till a point its not hurting us! However, the moment someone under influence of alcohol starts misbehaving, I just simply walk off! Fortunately, when I sit with my friends for reunions and get togethers, they are totally fine with me not preferring alocohol. There is no compulsion to have that one sip, just for fun! No means No. Simple 😊
However, I have seen some of the guys being looked down upon, and made fun if he/she doesn’t drink! Like how non-drinkers respect those who drink and peacefully, we expect the drinkers to respect non-drinkers their decision of not drinking.
The government should also incentivize non-drinking at some point of time. Since the government has already laid heavy taxes on drinking, it should also incentivize non-drinking in some way. Monitoring non-drinking of citizens could be a tedious job, but a solution could be found out!!
Image courtesy: Journal.ie
