Mostly it's acclimatization, I think. If you have sweet stuff all the time, it doesn't taste all that sweet anymore, and everything else seems bland.

But there's also genetics. Some people spit out stuff like "omg, that's too sweet! yuck!" I eat a pretty spare diet these days and try to eliminate sugars and other additives, and still, sweet is good. I cannot put together this concept, "too" sweet. My sister doesn't like the taste of red meat, never has. People are just different!

Why would you want to limit yourself to drinking only when you're thirsty?

Short of overhydration, there are no downsides to pretty much constantly consuming non-caloric liquids.

Given your list of beverages, it sounds to me you might be subconsciously self-medicating with caffeine :). Myself, I'm constantly drinking either black tea or diet coke, all day long. I only drink water as last resort. I've been like that since childhood. It only recently occurred to me that I'm always settling on drinking choices that supply me with stimulants, indicating a potential deficiency problem.

Drinking water excessively is often an indicator of illness eg diabetes. Other reasons exist. The "its a hot day" reason is better than most but cold non-sugar drinks are usually more refreshing.

I don't think these people drink soda because they're thirsty. They drink it because they enjoy the taste and it's something to do, it's almost a small form of entertainment. As a result they're never really thirsty in the first place.

It's also what you're used to. There was a time when I would drink a lot of soda, but then I made an effort to switch to just water (and coffee). I almost never crave soda now.

I'm addicted to the carbonation and bite of the citric acid, personally. Though, I did recently switch to Zevia and now limit my intake.

I agree with you. My dad only drinks coke and says water is bland/bitter. There is definitely a connection between the two.