Re:Smokers quit in record numbers amid Covid fears
by gibolt on Thursday July 16, 2020 @02:12AM
(#23856303)
Being the one to say 'I don't drink' is generally awkward, as few people expect that response. What I've found is usually at least one other person per ~10 people will follow up and say they don't either.
From there it can be contagious, with others questioning themselves drinking, or at least drinking less.
Re:Smokers quit in record numbers amid Covid fears
by Raphael_Amiard on Thursday July 16, 2020 @04:06AM
(#23856856)
It's pretty common amongst my geeky social circles in Paris, much less (for obvious reasons) amongst the musicians/partyers social circles, unfortunately.
What's very annoying is the social pressure: feeling compelled to say something, anything, when somebody say they won't have that drink in a social gathering. Just shut the hell up! (Saying that to myself too!)
Re:Smokers quit in record numbers amid Covid fears
by intellirogue on Thursday July 16, 2020 @06:35AM
(#23857567)
One thing I've found fascinating since moving to Germany is that you'll be judged here if you say "I don't drink beer", but drinking non-alcoholic beer is perfectly acceptable. It's not the alcohol that people care about.
Re:Smokers quit in record numbers amid Covid fears
by wirrbel on Thursday July 16, 2020 @07:21AM
(#23857797)
Depending on the region, "I don't drink beer" can sound a bit snobbish (as in "I only drink wine and champaign"). Other than that I've never heard anything bad when I ordered Apfelschorle (apple juice + carbonated water mix). And I think "Alkoholfreies Weizen" would even be accepted among very beer-centred groups.
One cultural difference between Germany and the states is, that drunk-driving is much more actively shunned so its more acceptable to not drink.
Re:Smokers quit in record numbers amid Covid fears
by randomdata on Thursday July 16, 2020 @04:26AM
(#23856952)
Somebody must be drinking a lot more. Sales at my brewery have approximately tripled over last year. It has become a business challenge in not having the capacity to keep up with demand.
I made a conscious choice as Coronavirus was just getting its shoes on to completely stop drinking alcohol. I haven't felt this great in ages and intend to teetotal beyond the crisis.
The occasional dinner out with drinkers since some of the restrictions were eased has not been a problem and - company depending - as enjoyable as usual. I'll probably skip the pub socials when they reopen but dinners, lunches, and sports seem fine. Next stop: more exercise!