In most Muslim countries you’ll find people having great time drinking mint tea/ playing backgammon/chatting. It goes to show how tightly alcohol consumption is coupled with the cultural upbringing.
As a WASPy dude in ‘merica, not drinking is something people still struggle to grasp. I’m middle aged now, and I still have regular social outings where someone is like flabbergasted “so, you never drink? But, why? Did you ever?” Sometimes I can tell they just are doing mental calculus and just determine I most be a recovering alcoholic and they suddenly apologize for their questioning. There’s some humor in it, but just not enjoying it enough or feeling a thirst for it is the only way I can explain it. I like how it taste ok, I just never really want to consume it. I usually say something like “do you like whole milk? When was the last time you drank a glass of it?” This makes the point 9/10 times, because a lot of people like milk but just never drink it. I’m the same with alcohol.
Hehe, I like that approach. I hate milk, so I'll try to come up with a lactose-free metaphor though. One of the funny things about alcohol as a drug is that if you tell people you don't drink, they automatically assume you have a problem.
I grew up and lived in countries with strong drinking cultures (incl. PL, UK, AT, PT) and I don't mind a drink myself. Having said that, the "cultural programming" (lazy expression, but I'm in a rush, sorry) is so hard to shake off. This stood out to me especially in the UK, where I felt bad for my muslim friends not being able to participate in many social events because they don't drink.
In most Muslim countries you’ll find people having great time drinking mint tea/ playing backgammon/chatting. It goes to show how tightly alcohol consumption is coupled with the cultural upbringing.