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I’m not pretending. It may seem naive to you, but I am relating my experience. I’m certain that drinking is extremely helpful to people who can’t socialize without a nip or two. Other than that, nobody with whom I have ever socialized -either a professional or personal relationship - has given one rat’s a$$ whether I consumed alcohol or not, provided I did not overconsume and that I did not judge them on their drinking habits (which I do not). I think I may have encountered that kind of peer pressure or judgement in high school, maybe a little in college, but not since then. Whether one drinks or not has been about as relevant as whether they liked salsa or not. To me that’s how it should be. </p>
<p>I am obviously not in the same profession as you. To the extent that there are professions where people are judged based on whether or not they drink, well, I’m glad I am not in those professions.</p>
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Of course one should be able to have a drink. I’m not talking about prohibition. But you are claiming a positive benefit from the drink. Maybe it would clarify it for me if you could explain how the drinking is helpful, rather than merely asserting that it is. Are you claiming some sort of bonding based on what beverage I drink? </p>
<p>And I’m sorry to be blunt. But to exactly what type of person does it matter whether or not I have an alcoholic beverage when I am dining with them? I would hope they would judge me by my conversation, which may or may not be scintillating, regardless of my BAC. Again, if for some reason I need that cocktail to “loosen up” well, that’s a different matter. But it’s still my buisness alone.</p>
<p>So, tio summarize - I’m saying it shouldn’t matter. Alcohol use per se should neither be villianized nor glamorized. I believe that is the healthy, balanced position</p>