Reader’s Question:
As someone who can’t drink alcohol, I’m always curious about what goes through my mind during a drinking party. While Kuwabata Rie’s comments have been a hot topic, I want to know what I feel while others around me are having fun, and whether others feel the same way. I don’t find talking to drunk people very enjoyable, but
what do other non-drinkers really think?
My Observations at Drinking Parties as a Non-Drinker
Hello! Today, I want to share a rather interesting perspective. As someone who doesn’t drink, I’d like to talk about what I think during drinking parties and how the people around me feel.
Observing the Drunk
Recently, I attended a friend’s birthday party. Naturally, I couldn’t drink, so I participated with my usual soft drink in hand. While watching everyone enjoy themselves, I found myself contemplating a few things. First, I thought, “This food is delicious!” while imagining how to recreate the dishes. It’s also fun to think about the recipes I’ve been into lately. Do you know the excitement of looking around the table and wondering what to eat next? However, I couldn’t help but notice the behavior of my drunk friends. Watching a friend who was getting more animated, I thought, “This person is definitely going to regret this when they sober up,” or “Maybe I should record this moment and show them tomorrow.” Ah, this is truly the privilege of being an “observer”!
Interesting Discoveries and Minor Discomforts
That said, being approached by a drunken boss can be a bit uncomfortable. Just the other day, my boss put a hand on my shoulder and said, “You need to drink more!” At that moment, I was internally screaming, “I want to go home!” (laughs). When splitting the bill, it can feel like I’m at a disadvantage for not drinking, which is another small annoyance. Yet, even in such situations, discovering that “this person is a crybaby when drunk—what a revelation!” can be surprisingly amusing. Observing drunk people often reveals sides of them you wouldn’t normally see, leading to unexpected discoveries.
In Conclusion
Ultimately, while I don’t drink alcohol, I find plenty of enjoyment through engaging conversations, delicious food, and observing those around me. I do want to understand the feelings of people who drink, but I also realize the importance of finding my own way to enjoy these gatherings. What do you think about or feel when you’re at a drinking party but not drinking? If you have any interesting stories or experiences, please share them in the comments!
