When the word drink or drinking is used it refers specifically to alcoholic beverages
and lastly, (but not leastly) I love a good G&T by the pool as much as the next person.
Just so you know.
To drink or not to drink. That is the question.
Have you ever had anyone tease you or goad you into drinking?
Have you ever had anyone keep pouring when you've already said "thats' enough"
Have you ever had anyone ask you why you're not drinking - with an undertone of sheer confusion?
Have you ever had anyone say "yeah but you gotta live life don't you?"
(as though by not drinking you'll simply stop breathing)
I have recently taken a hiatus from drinking.
Reasons - health mostly.
Responses from most people - completely supportive.
Responses from some - downright amusing....
"Why? What's wrong?"
"Oh well done you... I couldn't do that"
"Do you miss it?"
"Well that's no fun now is it"
"I tried that once"
"What are you... a girl?"
Now let me be honest here and say that not all these remarks were made to me. I've heard some made to other people and some made to Hubby when he's been the designated driver. I realise Australians are big drinkers, we love a "beer at the barbie" and we are the proud producers of some amazing wines. However, last I checked alcohol was still considered a drug, yes? We've come a looooong way further with smoking. In fact if you want to feel like an outcast take up smoking and move to Australia peoples. It's not allowed ANYwhere. So it's amazing to me that we aren't more open to the idea of NOT drinking. It's like it's a kind of "given" and it seems to be woven so deeply into the fabric of our social lives that by abstaining we look like a great big dropped stitch... just sitting there.... with our iced tea... Hmmmm.
What are your thoughts peoples?
Have you ever taken a break from drinking?
How would you feel if you had to give it up?
Do you know anyone who does not drink at all?
* Brilliant images by artist Leah Tinari
Please note - I have not chosen Leah's work in order to suggest that it negates or supports
alcohol consumption ... I just loved the work.
