bunny05 Posted September 12, 2011 Share Posted September 12, 2011 Do you exist? Am I alone? I'm at a university living on campus for the first time. All anyone does is talk about how they "totally got trashed and stayed out till like 7 am LOLOMG!" Seriously, 3 out of my 3 roommates told me stories of their summer party adventures the first time we met. Their tolerance for alcohol and affinity for weed smoking are about the only things I know about them. It's absolutely standard conversation etiquette to ask "where are you going out tonight?" for every single "student" that I meet. I hate alcohol. I hate the taste, it smells nasty, and I don't even enjoy the "high." That makes me a very rare specimen, and once I reveal this to people at school I am very quickly met with confused looks and a polite "Oh... that's cool I guess..." I don't smoke and have no interest in it. Definitely no interest in nicotine, and little interest in weed. I'm not even sure how my lungs would react to it as I have asthma. (Yes, I know you can eat it instead) Bars and clubs give me headache. I'm pretty low key and would prefer (X 10000) staying home, cooking a delicious 3 course meal and watching a nice movie over going to a bar or club. So, young people, am I just a total prude, or are there more of you like me out there? I'm 20 by the way. Link to post Share on other sites
unknownsources Posted September 12, 2011 Share Posted September 12, 2011 I'm with ya. I'm 19 and not interested in that stuff at all. I don't really see the point, and it seems to be a pretty expensive "hobby" for most people I know. Life would be a lot easier if I didn't have to keep hearing "that was a great 420 party last night!" or "sorry, i dunno what im sayin cause im a little high/drunk right now, heh heh". My old roommate kept his weed in mechanical pencils, every now and then I'd see him load a few from the bottom drawer into his backpack. Would always stumble back around 12-2am, plop in bed. On more than one occasion I woke up to him puking into a plastic bag on weekends. Really makes you want to go out and party, eh? But to each his own I guess Link to post Share on other sites
oldguy Posted September 12, 2011 Share Posted September 12, 2011 I don't think it's as rare as it seems. People who party a lot do it as an avenue for social acceptance, part of that process is to advertise their acceptance by talking about it. Wondering if you missed out on something one day is much better than knowing you regretted something. Your ahead of the game, you just need to seek out like people. Next semester try to find new roommates. Link to post Share on other sites
unknownsources Posted September 12, 2011 Share Posted September 12, 2011 I don't think it's as rare as it seems. People who party a lot do it as an avenue for social acceptance, part of that process is to advertise their acceptance by talking about it. Wondering if you missed out on something one day is much better than knowing you regretted something. Your ahead of the game, you just need to seek out like people. Next semester try to find new roommates. Good advice, especially the middle paragraph Link to post Share on other sites
UpDownAllAround Posted September 12, 2011 Share Posted September 12, 2011 I may be 31 and don't smoke, drink, do drugs, or party, but I was very much the same way at 20. Didn't care for it at all either. Link to post Share on other sites
omkara Posted September 12, 2011 Share Posted September 12, 2011 (edited) Listen closely, young padawan. You frown upon these things now, but at some point in your college life, you will mature, you will "go to the party," you will take part in these substances, perhaps out of slight curiosity, or for social acceptance, or to be able to unbiasedly speak about their negative side effects. Whatever the reason, you will most likely indulge in either alcohol, or marijuana, or both. Then you will notice their amazing short-term affects. You will see how the things you once despised, now give you the ability to talk gibberish and still have people think you're the coolest ****. You will battle with this new discovery. Eventually, you will get a glimpse of the dark side, when one of your "friends" cries her eyes out about how no one loves her and finishes off the night by puking all over the front steps (or even worse, have a friend kill himself by drinking and driving). If you're not too far gone, this will reconfirm all of your thoughts from before attending the party and make you go straightedge again. If you're off in the deep end, you will continue on your destructive path to maintain your social status, you will destroy you liver and lungs and worst case scenario, become a hipster douche. I used to think it was cool to drink. Now I think it's cool not to. I'll occasionally smoke a joint as a socializing thing, but I'm far from a pothead. But my reason for not doing these things aren't because I'm inexperienced with them, it's because I'm tooexperienced and know that there are harmful consequences. Everyone learns their own way. Hopefully you won't have to have anyone rush you to the hospital due to alcohol poisoning. I'm 22. And you're not alone. Edited September 12, 2011 by omkara Link to post Share on other sites
Author bunny05 Posted September 12, 2011 Author Share Posted September 12, 2011 This made me laugh! You're first paragraph is the attitude I encounter with a lot of people. They want to school me on how much fun it is and how much I'm missing out on. "You don't like parties because you've never been with me! Yeah right. Like every college party is so unique. Link to post Share on other sites
oldguy Posted September 12, 2011 Share Posted September 12, 2011 This made me laugh! You're first paragraph is the attitude I encounter with a lot of people. They want to school me on how much fun it is and how much I'm missing out on. "You don't like parties because you've never been with me! Yeah right. Like every college party is so unique. The last sentence made me laugh, "I'm 22...", I've been 22, 2 1/2 times... :laugh: Link to post Share on other sites
evagisele Posted September 12, 2011 Share Posted September 12, 2011 I completely understand where you're coming from! I'm 37 now, but when I was your age, I never drank, smoked, got high, etc...I still don't. I'm not on a moral high horse about it, I just don't like the stuff. Just be yourself. Don't compromise your values or your health. I may be nearing 40, but I'm told I could pass for 10 years younger than I really am. Some drunks I knew in college can't say that... Link to post Share on other sites
Ginger Beer Posted September 12, 2011 Share Posted September 12, 2011 OP, I'm like you, except I used to drink and smoke at a young age, I stopped when I was about 18, I've drank a handful of times since but I don't drink at all now and haven't for a year or so. The saddest thing about the UK is how much alcohol people buy and how they think they're living life in the fast lane because they get drunk every night. It makes me absolutely rage. Link to post Share on other sites
pondering77 Posted September 12, 2011 Share Posted September 12, 2011 You're definitely not a prude When I was attending a large university, I found myself in a similar situation. When my dorm hallmates played drinking games, etc., I declined. Didn't really see the point. My idea of fun, and spending an evening is to keep things low key. It was that way back in college, and still is now over a decade later. You're certainly not the only one. Stick to your guns if you feel peer pressure and hold your head high for making good lifestyle choices. Link to post Share on other sites
sm1tten Posted September 13, 2011 Share Posted September 13, 2011 When I was an undergrad I had friends who never did that stuff, and we still all managed to have fun together - but I think they might have been a bit more social than you and over time, more comfortable with people's reactions to their not partaking. You just have to find the others who are like you and trust me, they do exist. I know that my college had a club for people who did activities together instead of going out drinking, maybe your school has something like that? Link to post Share on other sites
LurkerXX Posted September 13, 2011 Share Posted September 13, 2011 (edited) Do try to find some like minded people or at least engage some of the crowd who have more interests than just partying. I say this as an introvert and as someone who is just not all that interested in the 'scene.' There are at least some there who are there to get a wider perspective, or at least a more thorough understanding of their field. There will be few times in your life where you will have so many people available to get to know; this is the best time to learn how to find kindred spirits; it will serve you well for future moves, new workplaces, ect. Does your residency have a shared kitchen? Cooking meals with others, taking turns with who buys the meat/veggies or splitting the grocery bill can end up being a great way to connect. Edited September 13, 2011 by LurkerXX Link to post Share on other sites
Starry_Dreamer Posted September 13, 2011 Share Posted September 13, 2011 nope you arent alone. i am 20 and dont party or drink or smoke.. i hate all that stuff Link to post Share on other sites
MyT Posted September 15, 2011 Share Posted September 15, 2011 I'll be turning 19 this December - I feel the same, it's so awkward cause I've tried going to those things and they all suck - unfortunately I don't drive a Ferrari to a club nor can i afford a thousand-a-pop champagne (actually, champagne is for people who have class, nvm) So at my U, people drink cheap stuff ... go in some house and just... dry hump to music... Actually, once the owner made a light bulb in an unfinished basement flick on and off - now imagine that... I don't know how to enjoy it, nor do I really want to try anymore after the ... I-lost-count time (I have a tolerance for alcohol but it wasn't developed in such places, and I never smoke/take ****) Now I'm weary to talk to girls (I'm a dude) in my lectures just because I half-expect them to think of me as 'those kind' and be disappointed when they find out I'm not. IFYP Link to post Share on other sites
AHardDaysNight Posted September 16, 2011 Share Posted September 16, 2011 Yeah, I am the same way. Don't like to drink, smoke, or party...and I'm an older college student. I have put up with this attitude of "let's get wasted" since my high school days, and let me tell you, it's tiring. College students are slightly more mature than high school students, but only slightly. Link to post Share on other sites
Finch Posted September 17, 2011 Share Posted September 17, 2011 You are most assuredly not the only one. I'm an older student finishing up my undergrad degree and I don't party. I enjoy wine or gin and tonic at home, or a beer with friends at a pub. But clubs and loudness, shouted "conversations" and throwing up (or shooting up) in a bathroom that's sticky with smirnoff ice residue is not my idea of a good night. I wasn't interested in that in freshman year, and I'm not interested in that now. I have never once looked back and thought "....I really should have gone out and gotten smashed more. I should have smoked a lot of weed." It's never crossed my mind as something that I was missing out on. My advice (as others have said) is to seek out like-minded people. Join some clubs or societies to get to know people, and do other things with your weekends. Don't think that just because you don't enjoy drinking and parties that you need to stay home. Go out and do other things. If your campus is well-equipped there's most likely a great pool and possibly an indoor ice-rink. You can easily sign up for lessons for things like fencing, dance, or yoga. If you look outside your department you can often find great free lectures by special guests on anything from art to language to neuroscience. At university, no matter what you are interested in or how you like to spend your free time you can find people who enjoy the same things. You have to make a little effort to find them, but they are there. Link to post Share on other sites
AHardDaysNight Posted September 17, 2011 Share Posted September 17, 2011 You're right, of course. I am part of an environmental club already. I'm going to go to the next meeting and start from there. Hopefully I'll get some good ideas going, and make some new friends! Link to post Share on other sites
KR10N Posted September 17, 2011 Share Posted September 17, 2011 I'm in my early 20s & have never done any of those things. Like someone else said about these people "living in the fast lane". I just don't see how getting wasted & high every weekend is living life in the fast lane or to it's fullest for that matter. If someone were to tell me this nonsense, I'd tell them to f***ing enlist in the military. I bet then these people would feel rushed. I've never once tried alcohol or any type of drugs. It's disgusting & anyone who gluttons over it is disgusting. I feel the same about bars too. I would give my real honest opinion about bars & the people that go there but I have a feeling that a few people would get offended. So, I'll leave it to your imagination to fill the gaps. Link to post Share on other sites
LynnieBear Posted September 17, 2011 Share Posted September 17, 2011 I'm with KR10N, I don't do those things, either. and I would have a few choice words for people who do, but I'd probably offend some people. I just find it incredibly irresponsible and not a lot of fun. I hate the taste of alcohol. They say beer is an acquired taste, which means you have to get to the point of acquiring it, which means, nobody likes it to begin with... so how can you force yourself to drink something that doesn't taste good to begin with? idk, maybe some people like it... and I've never tried drugs... and smoking... I've tried it, but I'm too retarded (or normal) to be able to inhale. It hurts too much and makes you choke, so why force myself to do it? It all seems pretty pointless to me. and I've probably already said too much to where I'm going to offend somebody. Link to post Share on other sites
unknownsources Posted September 17, 2011 Share Posted September 17, 2011 I'm with KR10N, I don't do those things, either. and I would have a few choice words for people who do, but I'd probably offend some people. I just find it incredibly irresponsible and not a lot of fun. I hate the taste of alcohol. They say beer is an acquired taste, which means you have to get to the point of acquiring it, which means, nobody likes it to begin with... so how can you force yourself to drink something that doesn't taste good to begin with? idk, maybe some people like it... and I've never tried drugs... and smoking... I've tried it, but I'm too retarded (or normal) to be able to inhale. It hurts too much and makes you choke, so why force myself to do it? It all seems pretty pointless to me. and I've probably already said too much to where I'm going to offend somebody. I agree with you, but have a more middle-of-the-fence point of view on things. Nice to see that side laid out in a well-said manner I guess it's like people who go through hazing for whatever group activity - the idea is you suffer some crap now in return for some fun later. In my opinion, suffering now for the chance of "fun" at the risk of sliding down a bad slope... not really worth it... Link to post Share on other sites
Author bunny05 Posted September 18, 2011 Author Share Posted September 18, 2011 I'm with KR10N, I don't do those things, either. and I would have a few choice words for people who do, but I'd probably offend some people. I just find it incredibly irresponsible and not a lot of fun. I hate the taste of alcohol. They say beer is an acquired taste, which means you have to get to the point of acquiring it, which means, nobody likes it to begin with... so how can you force yourself to drink something that doesn't taste good to begin with? idk, maybe some people like it... and I've never tried drugs... and smoking... I've tried it, but I'm too retarded (or normal) to be able to inhale. It hurts too much and makes you choke, so why force myself to do it? It all seems pretty pointless to me. and I've probably already said too much to where I'm going to offend somebody. I completely understand where you're coming from. These same words have left my lips plenty of times. Link to post Share on other sites
leftfordead2 Posted September 18, 2011 Share Posted September 18, 2011 Do you exist? Am I alone? I'm at a university living on campus for the first time. All anyone does is talk about how they "totally got trashed and stayed out till like 7 am LOLOMG!" Seriously, 3 out of my 3 roommates told me stories of their summer party adventures the first time we met. Their tolerance for alcohol and affinity for weed smoking are about the only things I know about them. It's absolutely standard conversation etiquette to ask "where are you going out tonight?" for every single "student" that I meet. I hate alcohol. I hate the taste, it smells nasty, and I don't even enjoy the "high." That makes me a very rare specimen, and once I reveal this to people at school I am very quickly met with confused looks and a polite "Oh... that's cool I guess..." I don't smoke and have no interest in it. Definitely no interest in nicotine, and little interest in weed. I'm not even sure how my lungs would react to it as I have asthma. (Yes, I know you can eat it instead) Bars and clubs give me headache. I'm pretty low key and would prefer (X 10000) staying home, cooking a delicious 3 course meal and watching a nice movie over going to a bar or club. So, young people, am I just a total prude, or are there more of you like me out there? I'm 20 by the way. /raises hand. I'm one of them, I don't drink, smoke or party. I like staying at home too...clubs and bars are too noisy for me. I don't like the type of people there anyway.. Link to post Share on other sites
j86 Posted September 18, 2011 Share Posted September 18, 2011 I'm 25 and not interested in that stuff much either. Having fun doesn't involvve only drinking. Link to post Share on other sites
skelterhelter Posted September 18, 2011 Share Posted September 18, 2011 *raises hand* Yep, I'm one of those who have never felt the need to drink, smoke or party. I do have one or two drinks with friends if we're having dinner or something (never beer though, ick), but that's the extent of it. I just don't understand the appeal of getting trashed and not remembering the night you just had. I go to movies, hang with friends over our houses and just talk with some good food in hand, go to concerts, shop, hiking, etc. I can find a million things better than playing beer pong. Guess it's all part of the college experience for some people, but the sad thing is some don't know when to stop and become hardcore alcoholics and druggies when they're well into their 40s and 50s. I'll take my movies and food any day Link to post Share on other sites
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