noday,
it seems as though you have already come to some conclusions about this situation.
for me, i have not been comfortable around people drinking in more than just a social kind of way, for a long, long time. i do not like going into bars - now, a restaurant that serves is fine, or a quiet lounge for a visit with someone, or even a nightclub to hear some good music - all fine in my book. but a loud, smelly BAR - not gonna find me in one. but that's me - i'm over 40. if there are people in my peer group who are still goin to bars, hmmm, i think something smells bad.
i thought that learn2live had some great insights.