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<p>I never said that the benefit was universal. I said that it can often be beneficial and socially important.</p>
<p>Case in point: when I was a journalist, I had a couple of drinking buddies from other agencies with whom I’d grab a beer after work, and we’d discuss goings on. Without being able to meet with those guys, I would have had a harder time doing my job.</p>
<p>That’s just one example.</p>
<p>Another is my current job, where I’m often doing impromptu lunches and nightcaps with clients or partners. </p>
<p>I’m not saying that I necessarily NEED to drink. But it helps. That’s all.</p>
<p>If you choose not to, then so be it: you’ll probably do just fine. But it does become harder.</p>