No. Try to simply pass with a no thanks, and almost always you'll face a line of questioning as to why not. It's really annoying. Even if they respect your decision not to drink they still ask why. Some get frustrated too.
I've, fortunately, only ever experienced this a single time. From a coworker of the opposite gender who was already a few drinks in, at an event where I was the only person not drinking.
I've never suffered the line of questioning that people always talk about. Perhaps a single "Why?" which is easily answered with "Personal choice." And honestly, if you deviate from the "norm" a "why?" should be expected and factored into the decision.
There are other decisions where you can expect to be asked "Why?" For example:
I don't have a Facebook account. "Why?"
I don't watch movies/TV shows. "Why?"
It could be argued the "why" isn't important. The question isn't asked out of importance, but out of curiosity. They're curious why I made the decision I made, especially because it is an unpopular decision.
At least as often as not, people don't ask those "why?" type questions out of simple curiosity. In my experience, there's often a component of defensiveness, regardless of how you answer.
And saying that it's okay to be questioned for your choices just because they're not as common--I have to adamantly disagree.
I've never suffered the line of questioning that people always talk about. Perhaps a single "Why?" which is easily answered with "Personal choice." And honestly, if you deviate from the "norm" a "why?" should be expected and factored into the decision.
There are other decisions where you can expect to be asked "Why?" For example:
I don't have a Facebook account. "Why?"
I don't watch movies/TV shows. "Why?"
It could be argued the "why" isn't important. The question isn't asked out of importance, but out of curiosity. They're curious why I made the decision I made, especially because it is an unpopular decision.