Believe it or not, there are a lot of reasons someone would choose to be sober in college and beyond. Maybe drinking became a problem. Maybe they have a health concern. Maybe addiction runs in their family or they don’t like themselves when they’re drunk. And then there’s the good ol’ fashioned “I just don’t like the taste of alcohol”. And guess what? All of these reasons are perfectly valid.
I’ve gotten mixed reactions when I tell people I’m sober. Some move on like we were just discussing the weather, while other are visibly uneasy and don’t know what to say. So this letter is to you, the friends of sober students.
One quick disclaimer: A lot of what I’m about to say can vary depending on where someone is on their journey. A newly sober person may not be comfortable in these situations. My best advice is to ask. We don’t bite.
Dear Non-Sober Friends,
I just want to start by saying that we, your sober companions, do not in any way think we’re morally superior to you. A lot of the time, we wish we could be you. In this day and age, it seems like everything revolves around drinking and getting drunk. When Drake said “I live for the nights I can’t remember” he wasn’t referring to getting a good night’s sleep.
At the same time, we don’t really feel like we’re missing out on anything. So please don’t feel sorry for us. And when we’re out, don’t offer us “just one drink” because you’ll “keep an eye on us”. We know you love us. We know you mean well. But trust us, it’s not a good idea. You keep on pounding Fireball for the both of us.
Every once in a while, parties and clubs where everyone is wasted will get to be too much, and we’ll want to go home. One of the best things you can offer us is a night in every once in a while. Nothing says “I love you” like ten straight episodes of Orphan Black and a mountain of Chinese takeout.
Love,
Your Sober Friends.
P.S. We will always be your designated driver as long as you promise us you’ll never drive drunk. Ever.