Traderjane, thanks for your most recent post -- I'm having a lot of problems in my relationship right now and I've recently been thinking about "what if I have to start dating again and I don't drink?"
What you said really resonated. I think because I haven't yet come up with a good answer to "why don't you drink?" -- some acquaintances of mine have been more interested (at BBQs, etc.) than I expected.
This Friday I'm having dinner with a friend from high school who is coming in to town and who I haven't seen in probably 15 years -- we're joining my best friend, who doesn't drink either (not "sober," she just doesn't really like it), so I'm not worried about feeling pressured, but she still already e-mailed and suggested that if either of us wanted to get drunk and crash in her hotel room, we were welcome -- I know she was just being friendly but I hate the expectation that people are always drinking... on dates... at dinner... whatever.
Anyway, thanks.
GG