Does anyone here not drink, for whatever reason; religion, just not interested..

Tweet

Maybe your parents or other close family have alcoholism and you know its in your blood or maybe you're recovering? If so, do you find its a barrier to finding new friends? Is there a long pause after someone asks if you want to hit the bar after work - or even a restaraunt and hit back some drinks? And you say sure, but I don't drink. Or the bbq you're invited to where you realized everyone is plastered or on their way and when you first arrive and the host/hostess asks what you want to drink and you name something nonalcoholic and they stare for a minute before giving that fake smile and overly friendly sure sure or try to prod you into, just one drink. I know my mom, has assumed that associates of hers that don't drink HAVE to be in recovery - who doesn't drink? Is her mindset - besides her kids that is. We have neighbors whose daughter comes over ALL the time to hang out, a nine year old, my three year old loves her. Her parents, like us, I guess are the sort who wouldn't mind living in a rural area far from neighbors, we've actually talked about it. We used to walk - the mom and I when I first got here but it was just too early, just at sunrise. They will be socially ocassionally when they want to drink. In fact, some vacationers with a two year old, a baby and another child rented the place below us and they were hard partiers and my neighbor was actually visiting over there the whole time - in their place - she's never been in mine except to get sammie, and vice versa and they were all go out and about together. Granted she did ask if we wanted to go to this other beach with them a little further away - but it was a big hassle in a way because my husband had to get the car seat out and in their car and it was such a hassle he was like - if I ever take that carseat out again, it stays out. Granted in this case, its not just drinking or lack of, I had to stay over there for an hour or so when I was locked out and since we used to live in an isolated area before - so robbie has only been in our house and we keep things out of his way. And it was a bit stressful, us both trying to save everything in his reach and he just wouldn't stay still. Normally, if he was acting up, I just take him out of the situation - which is harsh punishment for him actually. She loves Robbie but she can't exactly invite us over with all their knick knacks - even though it would be good practice! Robbie is going through some belated terrible twos! But I digress - for those non-drinkers out there, do you ever find its a barrier to friendship. Do you get those awkward moments when you finally have to say you don't drink?