Source
r/socialanxiety•
ausername41

I miss being 17

So the legal age of drinking in my country is 18 and i turned 18 two months ago and I hate it.

Before, it was normal to not go out all the time and not be a border line alcoholic but now, since going out drinking is literally my idea of hell and I don't go out, I'm considered boring and it's just making me want to isolate myself more because all most people seem to do at my age is go out drinking.

I want to go back to when I had a genuine excuse for not going out (that I was underage and don't have an ID) instead of making shitty excuses that are blatant lies and everyone knows it. At work, for example, a group of people are utterly convinced I have a girlfriend because I've bailed on them each time they've invited me out. That's certainly not true, I'm gay and I don't have a boyfriend either and i still don't have the confidence to tell everyone, certainly not acquaintances at work that I don't really like. So that's a total mess that I have no idea what to do about.

I just want to dig myself a hole and never come out. Everyone's dying to be 18 and I've hated every second of it.

Sorry for the pointless post but I don't have anyone I can tell this to.

Posted Dec 22, 2016, 3:52 PM UTC

409
mooms•

I used to be the same way. I felt I was missing something if I wasn't out there. Now I realize a night out at the bar is just "same shit, different day" and I'm not missing anything. Save your going out times for a good band or show and enjoy yourself your way. Try small dinners with close friends. I'm sure you know other folks who would love to escape the bar scene.

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hackel•

The people you're choosing to interact with are the problem, not you or your age. There are others like you out there! Not everyone wants to fill their body with mind-altering poison. Seriously. Be proud of who you are—you are better than these cunts.

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ausername41OP•

I'm sure there are, but my god does it feel like such a small minority.

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AylaCatpaw•

Why are they cunts just because they enjoy going out for a drink?

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AmericanMonsterCock•

I enjoy drinking with friends, am i a cunt too? Way to generalize :)

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brian242•

No you're an American Monster cock.

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ltllama•

I'm from the US and the legal drinking age is 21. I'm now almost 24 and my friends are still all into the bar scene.

It was never really my thing, I think I've went probably less than 10 times in 3 years. Sometimes I'll go if older friends from out of town are around just to catch up and see them even though I don't really care for the environment.

I'm just upfront with my friends who want to go out all the time and tell them that I don't enjoy it. They're understanding now so they don't really pressure me, they'll still ask every now and then (probably as a courtesy thing)

I think it'll get better with time. I know right after everyone turned 21 that I was being constantly bugged to go each weekend

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Fuzzyduck76•

I’m 17 now, and I’m really afraid of this happening to me and my friends.

I live in the U.S., but it’s not like that will stop people from drinking. I’ve met 13 and 14 year olds that drank and smoked regularly. I never want to live like that.

Many of my friends are a lot—more outgoing, I guess you could say, than me. They also really enjoy going out and doing whatever is popular, which is something I’ve never been particularly fond of. In this case, what is popular is going to bars and drinking (which it’s kind of always been popular). I’m sure they’ll eventually start going out, clubbing and whatnot too…

Anyway, I suppose I’m just trying to say you’re not alone.

One more thing: I’m graduating high school soon (you are too, I’m assuming), and I’m also not looking forward to all the “adult” responsibilities coming my direction. It means more stress and less time to hang out or spend my time doing what I want.

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NudaeVetatur•

I don't drink. Didn't before 18, didn't after 18. When you go at some place just order juice or stuff.

I wouldn't go that far as to make false excuses. But you can always say you have "this medical thing" and you have to avoid alcohol due to the risk of side effects from drugs. If they ask you what it is, you can say it's a personal topic and you don't want to talk about it. Antibiotics are more of the socially accepted drugs of choice, however it can be weird if you bring that excuse every time. Anti-depressants are contraindication too and you'd be taking them regularly, however not sure if you'd be comfortable telling that as a lie. OR anti-anxiety drugs

I however haven't used any excuses. I just say I don't want to, when asked. the thing is, I haven't been asked more than 5 times in my whole life..guess it's about the people around you too. (even if I've been the only one not drinking alcohol).

My reasons are plenty. I've seen as a kid what alcohol can do to a person (my grandfather and how much I hated him while he was under the influence), alcohol is an effective neurotoxin and I have difficulties with concentration and memory even without it, alcohol can make me temporarily feel better with SAD and considering I get addicted very easily, it's like 99% certain I will get addicted, it's expensive. So there - 4 good reasons not to.

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