Not drinking alcohol is an odd adventure.
I still like to go out, dance, meet and hook up with random women. Its easier when you're drinking. But when you're the only sober person at a bar, you see how gross that scene is and people treat you differently if you're not drinking. Like 'wtf is wrong with you?' How come your not drinking?'
A polite 'I just don't like to' or 'Alcohol doesn't mix well with me.' Doesn't satisfy anyone who's drunk. The response is usually "Come onnnnnn. Let me buy you a drink, lighten up. I got it. What do you want?'
Nothing, Im good. Im not drinking tonight. Is not ever reallywell recieved. You're looked at like a buzz kill.
Tbh, one of the reasons my marriage is over is probably because I tapered off and for the most part abstain from alcohol. While my ex-wife drinks every day. Many days she'd just be hammered for no reason at all and pass out in random places around the house. This led to multiple arguments for many reasons, not the least of which was finances.
Anyway, long story short, there's a time and a place for a night out and having a few drinks (a few times a year, a birthday, the holidays, when you're on vacation) For most people who do drink, that time is now and the place is anywhere. For most people, just getting off work is a good reason, then it just being the weekend is a good reason. Then before you know it, its everyday.