And coffee.

You can say you prefer tea, but when people notice you don't want any alcohol, they get upset and want to know what's wrong with me. Which is surprising because it's basically poison.

I dunno, when I ask for decaf I usually get tons of crap from people wanting to tell me how my choice is wrong and drinking coffee without caffeine is stupid and pointless. Coffee definitely has social pressure attached to it like alcohol.

When I deny offers of tea in Europe I feel the host is offended.

Is there any truth to this or am I stuck in my head?

As a Yorkshireman: We understand and acknowledge that people do not all have good taste when it comes to tea. We therefore either assume you don't want to kick anything off (start a fight over tea), or that you acknowledge and are working on your failings in the tea department...

Both of which I have quit... it's been quite the adjustment.

Coffee doesn't destroy your muscles or increase estrogen levels

yea.. I don't drink alcohol. I am not specifically avoiding it.I just find it boring as far as drugs go. People regard me as an alien when they find out s I'll usually have a drink just to go along but I'll never drink it on my own.

Coffee on the other hand. coffee is life. coffee is purpose. all hail the elixir of the dark lord!

in all seriousness though, I drink like a whole pot just to take up in the mornings. black

I think a problem with not drinking is people think 1. you are no fun 2. you have a problem. So sometimes I find I will even have a drink because I don't want people to speculate on me having a problem.

Maybe this is a US thing - in the UK, nobody bats an eyelid if you say "I don't like coffee". But, yeah, not drinking alcohol is always an 'issue'.

> "Alcohol is the only drug on earth you have to justify not taking."

I find this quote really interesting. Growing up in a western country where people drink a lot of alcohol, not necessarily for the enjoyment of it but to get "hammered". I've countless times defended myself for both friends, family and new and existing co-workers for why I don't drink, and these people look at me like I'm some sort of alien. According to "these people" I am in fact a weirdo, because I've spoken about the affects of caffeine, taking cold showers/baths, fasting etc etc.

I'm not sure where I'm going with this, however, I hope there'll be a time where it's "acceptable" to go out with your friends, family or co-workers, and not be expected to drink alcohol or excluded just because you won't inject your body with legal "poison".

Note: I have nothing against people who drinks alcohol, but let's just enjoy each other's company and don't force it on me. Thanks.

I like to say 'When people drink they relax, and when they relax, I relax. It works out fine." It does depend on the group.

May I ask when you go out with your other people what do you order exactly for drinks since you don't like alcoholic or caffeinated and probably sugary beverages too?