Under Pressure?
'Go on, just have one...'
'Even a sip?'
'I'll buy you one!'
'But it's a party!'
I have been on the receiving end of these phrases, offers and comments so many times I can't count, every time I go out with friends, be it a huge birthday party or just a gathering. I've created my own automatic response, it's almost a reflex whenever I hear any of the above or have a glass or bottle held out to me; a smile, shake-of-the-head, 'I'm fine, thanks'.
It seems that no matter how big or small the invite list, there is now always an extra guest in the world of teenage culture -
Alcohol.
We hear about the horrors of binge-drinking, road accidents, punch-ups and injuries all the time,, but it's not the long-term effects or the possible risks that alcohol can carry I want to mention - it's the pressure.
Drinking alcohol is almost seen as a rite of passage into adulthood, though many teenagers are taking this route at an ever-earlier age. It's now normality to drink and get drunk; in fact, it feels that it is NOT drinking as a teenager that makes you abnormal, boring, a let-down.
I am constantly that teenager, and sometimes it feels as though I am the only one in this category. I have become used to refusing drinks and trying to justify myself by insisting 'I don't need alcohol to have fun!', but it's a tiring game.
It is still unclear to me why I am not a part of the seemingly normal teen culture of drinking; perhaps it's noticing French culture, not liking the taste or just not WANTING to drink. A mix of confusion, fear and self-acceptance hits me whenever I'm faced with the option of alcohol.
I'm quite happy being the designated driver and dancing with a water bottle in one hand, not wanting and not needing a drink, but will people ever truly understand that?
