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Among my work colleagues, friends, and family, it seems alcohol consumption has either slightly increased or significantly decreased. I made a conscious choice

Among my work colleagues, friends, and family, it seems alcohol consumption has either slightly increased or significantly decreased. I made a conscious choice as Coronavirus was just getting its shoes on to completely stop drinking alcohol. I haven't felt this great in ages and intend to teetotal beyond the crisis. The occasional dinner out with drinkers since some of the restrictions were eased has not been a problem and - company depending - as enjoyable as usual. I'll probably skip the pub socials when they reopen but dinners, lunches, and sports seem fine. Next stop: more exercise!

gibolt 6y ago
Being the one to say 'I don't drink' is generally awkward, as few people expect that response. What I've found is usually at least one other person per ~10 people will follow up and say they don't either. From there it can be contagious, with others questioning themselves drinking, or at least drinking less.
- Raphael_Amiard 6y ago
  It's pretty common amongst my geeky social circles in Paris, much less (for obvious reasons) amongst the musicians/partyers social circles, unfortunately. What's very annoying is the social pressure: feeling compelled to say something, anything, when somebody say they won't have that drink in a social gathering. Just shut the hell up! (Saying that to myself too!)
- intellirogue 6y ago
  One thing I've found fascinating since moving to Germany is that you'll be judged here if you say "I don't drink beer", but drinking non-alcoholic beer is perfectly acceptable. It's not the alcohol that people care about.
  - wirrbel 6y ago
    Depending on the region, "I don't drink beer" can sound a bit snobbish (as in "I only drink wine and champaign"). Other than that I've never heard anything bad when I ordered Apfelschorle (apple juice + carbonated water mix). And I think "Alkoholfreies Weizen" would even be accepted among very beer-centred groups. One cultural difference between Germany and the states is, that drunk-driving is much more actively shunned so its more acceptable to not drink.
randomdata 6y ago
Somebody must be drinking a lot more. Sales at my brewery have approximately tripled over last year. It has become a business challenge in not having the capacity to keep up with demand.
riffraff 6y ago
as someone who stopped consuming most alcohol a couple years back: pubs are tough, but depending on the one you choose you may get some non-alcoholic drinks which are ok :)

gibolt 6y ago

Being the one to say 'I don't drink' is generally awkward, as few people expect that response. What I've found is usually at least one other person per ~10 people will follow up and say they don't either. From there it can be contagious, with others questioning themselves drinking, or at least drinking less.

Raphael_Amiard 6y ago
It's pretty common amongst my geeky social circles in Paris, much less (for obvious reasons) amongst the musicians/partyers social circles, unfortunately. What's very annoying is the social pressure: feeling compelled to say something, anything, when somebody say they won't have that drink in a social gathering. Just shut the hell up! (Saying that to myself too!)
intellirogue 6y ago
One thing I've found fascinating since moving to Germany is that you'll be judged here if you say "I don't drink beer", but drinking non-alcoholic beer is perfectly acceptable. It's not the alcohol that people care about.
- wirrbel 6y ago
  Depending on the region, "I don't drink beer" can sound a bit snobbish (as in "I only drink wine and champaign"). Other than that I've never heard anything bad when I ordered Apfelschorle (apple juice + carbonated water mix). And I think "Alkoholfreies Weizen" would even be accepted among very beer-centred groups. One cultural difference between Germany and the states is, that drunk-driving is much more actively shunned so its more acceptable to not drink.

randomdata 6y ago

Somebody must be drinking a lot more. Sales at my brewery have approximately tripled over last year. It has become a business challenge in not having the capacity to keep up with demand.

riffraff 6y ago

as someone who stopped consuming most alcohol a couple years back: pubs are tough, but depending on the one you choose you may get some non-alcoholic drinks which are ok :)