[rpastuszak]

I’m not sure why this is downvoted.

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.

[conductr]

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.

[rpastuszak]

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.