What does I don't "really" drink mean (to you)?

[Anonymous]

It means they will do a sip for a toast but won’t down the whole glass.
Someone who doesn’t drink won’t even have that sip.

[Anonymous]

Similar to other responses…I say I “don’t really drink” or “I don’t drink much” etc. I have no objection to or issues with alcohol but it just doesn’t appeal to me much anymore. I might have a drink at weddings, special occasions or here and there with a nice meal etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That's something I would say if my 14 yo was with me too!

Really? Lying is more acceptable to you than responsibly and moderately imbibing?

There is no acceptable amount that is healthy. But if he said that then drinkers would get upset.

[Anonymous]

I say I don't really drink and in my case I drink maybe 3-5 alcoholic drinks per year.

[Anonymous]

I don’t really drink. For me that means that I often go 2-3 weeks without consuming any alcohol. I drink a single glass of wine at dinner or a single cocktail when out with friends. I will have 1 beer at a work happy hour. I would estimate I drink 2-10 alcoholic beverages per month.

I drink when it compliments a nice meal or when I have a chance to drink something I really enjoy and savor it. I don’t ever drink “because I had a hard day” or to “let loose”. I can have fun or enjoy taking to people without alcohol. I can manage my stress without alcohol.

[Anonymous]

This is exactly what I say. I don’t “not” drink but I don’t particularly enjoy drinking, either the taste or how it makes me feel. I kind of like Prosecco so every so often I’ll have a glass when out to dinner, or the signature cocktail at an event if it looks interesting but this is probably like 5-6 times a year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That's something I would say if my 14 yo was with me too!

Really? Lying is more acceptable to you than responsibly and moderately imbibing?

There is no acceptable amount that is healthy. But if he said that then drinkers would get upset.

I don’t see where I said drinking was healthy. But responsible, moderate drinking can be part of a healthy life, just as eating a steak or a bowl of ice cream can be. You don’t need to be abstinent to be healthy. This black or white thinking is so off-putting and frankly childish. It’s how I thought when I was 8.

[Anonymous]

I know folks who aren't big drinkers. They'll have a beer or a glass of wine here and there but it's not part of their regular routine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Over the weekend the wealthy heir to a pro sports franchise was interviewed after his family's baseball team made the playoffs. As the players were showering themselves with beer and champagne in the locker room, a reporter at 3:30 asks the 59 year old heir what he planned to drink to celebrate. While standing next to his 14 year old son, he says, "I don't really drink . . . so maybe a bottled water or Gatorade Zero (calorie)."

A Mormon or someone who does not drink ever would have said so, right? Made me wonder what I don't "really" drink means. Maybe a glass of wine once in a while? He looks pretty darn good for being nearly 60!

Odd question.

This is how non-drinkers signal that they don't drink alcohol but they don't care if you do. It's a little less harsh than "I don't drink," which always seems to invite questions. The default setting in American society is that adults drink.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would say that because "I don't drink" would be a lie since I sometimes drink. I'll drink for holidays if we have family over, maybe if we go out to a nice restaurant but that is rare, a couple times a year. And it's always just one glass because I get headaches.

That’s me, too. I rarely drink but may a few times a year. I would say I don’t really drink

[Anonymous]

It means they're not a teetotaler but they also don't have a "go-to" celebratory drink for special occasions. Like they might have a beer at a baseball game or champagne toast at a wedding, but when their team wins the big game they're not thinking about the 21 year single malt waiting at home. If he had to pick a drink when put on the spot, he'll name the company that's sponsoring his business.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Every one in my immediate family would say that. Meaning they might have a margarita in Mexico or champagne during wedding toasts. But never multiples and never to get drunk.

+1

[Anonymous]

In my 20’s and early 30’s, alcohol was a central part of my social life. I drank heavily once it twice a week, getting buzzed at minimum. Post kids and approaching 60, I don’t “really” drink. I have one or two glasses of wine, maybe once or twice a month. I get buzzed maybe once a year. I never get drunk anymore.

[Anonymous]

I might say something like that. I’ma social drinker and usually stop at 1 or 2 drinks. At home rarely drink. I don’t need alcohol to celebrate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't care if you don't drink alcohol, but drinking Gatorade Zero is disgusting. The entire point of gatorade is sugar and salt. Putting fake sugar in there takes away 50% of the benefit.

Truth. I got an intestinal thing while living overseas and I was jonesing so hard for actual Gatorade.