I hear you clearly man--I have never drank before either, not because I think it is evil or anything, but just because I saw no point to it. I have a ton of fun sober with my friends, and don't need anything to "help" that.

When I turn 21, I don't think I will drink that often either. Maybe the occasional alcoholic beverage on a special occasion, but them only the ones like they have at Applebees, never any beer.

Whether or not I will drink the day I turn 21 I havev not decided (I'm almost 19 now, so I still have plenty of time to decide). I probably will because it falls under the "special occasion" category, but not to the point where I'm drunk. That's one of the main reason I don't drink, I don't want to be in a state where I don't know what I am doing, and still have to face any consequences.

Good luck, have fun, be safe. ;)

Umm, I don't know you, but based on what you posted, #1 be careful. Do not accept the million shots your friends will offer you. Have 2 beers, 2 glasses of wine or a cocktail (martini) and see if you like it and make your choice from there. If you have medical conditions proceed with caution. But otherwise enjoy. As the saying goes, you don't know until you try. But don't over do it. :)

i'm pretty much the same way. i moved to germany when i was 14 and drank my guts out (literally) shortly after moving there. that was one of only twice i've ever drank so much i threw up. there really is no point to it. a drink or two is fun and fine. but, it's really whether you WANT to or not. if you just don't feel like it, then don't just because of a silly date. other than that, have a GREAT birthday!

Congrats on turning 21!

To be honest, I do not see the point in contemplating whether or not you should drink. Drink if you want. Don't if you don't want to. It's like sex. Just because all the "cool kids" are doing it, it does not mean that you should.

Do what YOU want. It's nothing special. It's a beverage that is as old as the earth itself. Treat drinking like you would food - quit when you have had enough. No one can tell you when you have had enough so you just have to go on trial and error.

**And if you do decide to take up drinking, do go on detox once a month. lol

I think you are looking at drinking incorrectly. You don't drink because you have to do drink in order to have fun. You drink because drinking is fun and tastey. That's not to say that you should drink until you vomit every day, but have a couple of glasses of good wine causes an enjoyable sensation. It can also be quite tastey.

But as Julia said, if you are uncomfortable with it don't torture yourself over it. Just find something else to do with your birthday.

Drinking is overrated. I am 27, and I don't drink, nor have I. It's expensive, and you have the potential of doing some stupid crap. I have never heard someone say "Gee, I'm glad I got wasted!"

Of course, there is certainly nothing wrong with it. It just matters what you find important!

I know I have decided that I will not drink right when I turn 21 just to go against the crowd. I hate that people drink and lot's don't know how to have fun without being drunk anymore. I am still 20 and every since high school, I have known people who just can't seem to have a good time without it. If I do drink after my next birthday, I can tell you, it will not be on my birthday. I will probably wait for a real reason to drink and not just because it's the thing to do. I see myself as the type who will drink only on special occasions and it will be like a nice red wine and I will definitely be sure not to get drunk.
Dude, I think it's great that you have stayed strong and have not given into peer pressure and obeyed the law, it really all comes down to the way you want to see yourself or the way you want others to see you. GL, let us know what you decide.

My advice, is to get a margarita, a glass of wine, or even a beer. Drink it, if you like it, great. If not move on. You do not have to put a lot of thought into drinking. If you drink to get drunk/crunk then you need to grow up. There is more to life then getting drunk and acting stupid, trust me I know from experience. I use to drink because then I could use it as an excuse of why I did something stupid. Once I met wife I realize I didn't need to drink, I could still have a great and fun time without alcohol. I will leave you with this last bit of wisdom, drink because you enjoy it (i.e. the taste of margarita), not to get drunk and act stupid.

Good for you - for being independent and not having to be like 'everyone else'. As for how you'll celebrate - hmmmm. If you feel it's necessary to make a statement because you're 21, I'd go for a glass of champagne. After all, 21 is a milestone, so to speak. A cause for celebration - what better way to do it then witha glass of champagne. But of course, if you choose not to, more power to you. My thinking is that you probably really don't want to, which is why you are seeking out opinions. Either way - congrats! Hope you have a blast, and tell us what you did. :-)

You drink for one of two reasons - you like the taste or you like the buzz. Most people drink just to get the buzz.

I recommend the song "alcohol" by the barenaked ladies (off of the album Stunt) for my answer. :)

Happy Bday-do what seems right to you. Drinking not good or bad-excess is the big trap with anything. Have a great 21 :)

Drinking is kind of a drag anyway. Its expensive and the hangovers suck. You should probably just stick to Cannabis. Its safe and fun for the whole family.

Be yourself. Perhaps try it. One drink, to say you went out. But, I know that I prefer quiet, sober activities to the "lots of people" scene. I'm an introvert and accept that about myself. I enjoy -- and embrace -- having fun, but generally the definition of my fun compared to others' is different. I prefer quiet conversation over partying, a movie over bar-hopping. Whatever you do, have a great time. Make it something YOU like....and, Happy 21st Birthday!

Whatever you do, have an experienced wingman to help keep an eye on you. Also, lots of water, about a 1:1 ratio can help fend off hangover, and eat something before you go out. Have fun and Happy Birthday!

I agree with the do what will make you happy and don't give into pressure to drink. I also think that maybe having one special drink (something you've wanted to try, etc..) to mark the occasion would be good. It's a rite of passage so enjoy!

First off - Happy Birthday. :)

ok. since I have a teenage son I thought, "What if it were my kid asking this question?"

Be careful. This is the night of your life that you will have access to more free alcohol than any other time (except maybe your bachelor party). Everyone there will be throwing drinks at you in celebration.
**** How do I know? I was a bartender for seventeen years. That's how. ;) ******

Just because you are turning 21 doesn't mean you have to go out to a bar. If you are concerned about being in that situation then do something else, it's your birthday. You decide how to spend it.

Sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders.

Happy B-day! my only advice. Pick one drink you like and stick with it. On the other haqnd, experiment, what ddrink goes with what (i love scotch with chocolate). Know when to stop, too much of anything isn't fun. It's supposed to taste good and you're supposed to enjoy it.

Happy birthday. You don't have to drink at all. 39 and don't drink. Matter of fact I dont like the taste of most of it. Id rather drink coffee, but that is a whole other story :)

Don't give in to "popular" oppinion and think that once you hit 21 you must get smashed. I could think of a lot more enjoyable things to do on the day after my birthday then spend the day in bed from a supper hangover.

*smile*

There was a time when I drank frequently. I drank different things, different amounts--lots of variety. Over the course of a couple years, there seemed to be no end to the various ways one could experience alcohol, and some were profoundly different than others.

The trend I began to notice, however, was the less that I drank, the better the experience was. After careful consideration of my experience and also observing how alcohol relates to human behavior, I decided to forgo it completely.

Personally, I feel like I'm better off because of it, and I'm glad to have made the decision thoughtfully and rationally. What's funny is that I quit drinking maybe a month or two before my 21st birthday, so my friends were quite suprised that I didn't have anything to drink. :D

stay true to you

Happy Birthday!

I don't think I'd start drinking. I don't see the point in it. If your having fun at parties and enjoying yourself, why mess things up. Alcohol causes alot of problems. I've been cool for over 14 years without a drink and it's a much better life.

Happy Birthday!! I suggest that you spend the day however you like. Do what feels right and you know in your heart and head to be the way you want to live your life. Moreover, have a good time. You only get one of these.

I didn't read any of the other advice. Here's some advice to you from me, a 38-year-old guy:

Acquire a taste for good beer. Never drink just to drink. Drink because you enjoy the taste and to relax and to heighten conversation with friends.

To not drink is to miss out on some of life - i.e. if you can drink responsibly (you won't know until it becomes a problem). Technology is only possible because we humans found out if we stayed in one place long enough our grains would ferment. We got to where we are now because of beer!

If you never drink to the point of getting a slight buzz you'll never have a problem. I never drink more than 2 beers or a tall glass of wine. That's enough.

Have fun. Enjoy yourself. You're only 21 once!

Congratulations and a happy birthday :)

About having a drink, try it out. See if you like it and then go ahead. But yeah, do not let others pressure you into it.

And above all, drink responsibly :)

Happy Birthday!

Definitely should try out various drinks. You should experience it. If you like it, then great. If not, won't be hard for you to break the habit.

Happy Birthday !!! Wishing you many more fun years to follow!!

Don't compromise your morales for anything or anyone!!!

You can always have fun at a bar with or without alcohol.. Have you ever tried redbull? Redbull has enough sugar to keep you on a natural buzz for a while..

Take your time. My suggestion is to try a beer, a microbrew and not be in any hurry. Sip it and let it grow on you. And limit yourself to the one drink an hour, :)

Go get smashed...

It's not alway about drinking too much. But drinking a glass of good wine can be really a pleasure!

If you haven't missed drinking up 'til this point, you won't miss not doing it now that you're legal. Drink if you want to, but don't feel any societal pressure to do so if you don't. I'll have the occasional beer, wine or martini about once a month, and an occasional glass of Absinthe about once every two months, but beyond that, water and soft drinks suit me fine.

If you're going to drink, find an "experienced" drinker to be your wingman and coach you through it. Drink lots of water before bed, and don't start on an empty stomach! Be safe and happy birthday!

if you don't drink on your 21st, consider your birthday a failure. bring someone along who's well experienced, it'll make your night a lot easier.

Drinking is a big part of the culture here, and I am Irish (living in Scotland) so you've got 2 of the biggest drinking nations together there ;)
So I am probably biased - but I drink on average 2 to 4 times a week with no ill effects. I don't drink to get drunk (though it does happen occasionally) instead I go out to the pub after work with my friends and just enjoy a few pints and their company.

I don't *need* to drink when I'm out, I just enjoy the taste and it does act as a social lubricant :)

So my advice is, try it if you want to, but if you do stick to 1 drink (mixing drinks will give you a horrible hangover), don't go over-board...remember your friends who have been drinking for a while will have a tolerance. You won't. And just have fun with it - its not a big deal so no need to make it into one :)

Stay away from alcohol, it's not worth the effort. Keep going the way you are. That seems pretty good!

Drink if you must , Dont of you dont want too.. Some drinks taste nice instantly some need for you to develop a taste. Have a great B'day :)

Don't push yourself. I would suggest you to taste first, and if you don't like what you have in your glass just drink something else. Be honest with you. Alcohol is not something you can drink like water. Someone teached me how to really drink good alcohol. And to my surprise I better enjoy today a small glass of 15 year old scottish wiskhy or a home made ti-punch. I'm not into alcohol, and even if I'm living for now 15 years in Bordeaux (the city where you can find wine everywhere ;) ) I'm drinking maybe 2 glasses of alcohol per month. I prefer to enjoy a good company with a small amount of good beverage than being drunk and don't even remember what happened.

First off - Happy Birthday! Have a great time - and do what you want (drink, no drink). You sound like you know who you are - so just have a blast!

Blah blah blah blah.

If you consider alteration of mind a bad thing, don't do drugs, don't drink alcohol, don't eat sugars, don't drink caffeine, don't laugh, don't do anything that changes your mind's chemistry.

Chemicals control your mind and mood. I see no problem hacking your mind to make yourself feel better or worse. Just be safe, and don't hurt other people.

In my eyes, you have to decide: You either lead a completely drug free life, or you don't. Alcohol kills more than any other drug, and destroys many many families. Is it something you want to support?

I love booze, people who say there's no point to drinking have never tried it, inhibitions natually keep us under control, losing them for a night to see what happens in the numerous moments that fly by is a great thing, stepping outside your normal 'self' is good fun.

Everything in moderation my friend. That even goes for get shitfaced.

So?????

So... You're 21 years 3 weeks and 1 day old... How was it ? What happened... :)