Being the only sober person at a party is a common occurrence for me, and unfortunately, it often leads to drunk individuals targeting me with questions about why I'm not drinking and why I can't just relax and have fun. Frankly, this behavior makes being around intoxicated people an unpleasant experience for me.
1. I Feel Like I've Missed The Boat
Whenever I'm around intoxicated individuals, they tend to find things hilarious that don't really strike me as funny. I'm left feeling like I've missed a significant joke, and then I have to force myself to fake laughter, which is quite draining. To be honest, there are times when I'd prefer to come across as unsociable rather than disingenuous.
2. I Feel Like They're Not Really There
While some individuals can handle their alcohol better than others, I've found that many of the intoxicated people I've been around appear to be in a daze. It's frustrating to try to have a conversation with them when they just stare back at me with a vacant expression. It's definitely not a pleasant experience, and sometimes I regret not just staying at home.
3. I Feel Like A Babysitter
Being around intoxicated individuals can be challenging, as I often find myself playing the role of a caretaker for the night. This can go beyond merely assisting them in getting off the bathroom floor to throw up. It also involves comforting them as the room spins and listening to their emotional confessions. It can be quite draining to be responsible for someone else's well-being, especially when they've overindulged in alcohol.
4. I Have To Dissuade Them From Their Crazy Plans
Have you ever been in the company of intoxicated individuals who decide that they want to jump from the roof into the pool or sprint naked across a bustling street? It can be a harrowing experience. As the only sober person present, I feel compelled to dissuade them from engaging in such reckless behavior. However, it can be a daunting task to convince an intoxicated individual to listen to reason.
5. I Have To Get Into Fights
On occasion, when I try to prevent them from executing their dangerous schemes, they become confrontational. Frankly, this isn't how I envisioned spending my Friday evening, and it's not an experience I particularly relish. Why is it my obligation to deal with these situations? It's a burden I'd rather not have to bear.
6. I'm Expected To Look After Them
Does being the only sober person in the group imply that I'm responsible for all my friends who can't handle their alcohol? While being a designated driver is an essential responsibility that I'm willing to undertake, I don't believe I should be expected to assist my friends with tasks such as finding their shoes or sending texts to their significant others, particularly when they're inebriated or upset.
7. I Get Told To "loosen Up"
It's frustrating when I'm the sole sober person at an event, and people automatically assume that I'm a prude or uptight. Drunk individuals who are enjoying themselves with shots and revelry often suggest that I should partake to "loosen up." This unsolicited advice is not appreciated, and it would be nice if they would respect my decision not to drink. I don't criticize their behavior or tell them to sober up, and I'd appreciate it if they extended me the same courtesy.
8. I Feel Like I Don't Even Know These People
People can sometimes exhibit strange behavior or make statements that they wouldn't normally make when they're intoxicated, and the fact that they won't remember it the following day can be frustrating. I recently experienced this with a close friend who revealed to me while under the influence that she had feelings for my boyfriend, only to act like nothing happened the next day. It's exasperating that I was burdened with this knowledge while my friend has no recollection of it. I don't need this sort of drama in my life, and it's a reminder that being around intoxicated people can be complicated.
9. I Have To Listen To Their "deep Thoughts"
There are individuals who become philosophical when they consume alcohol, even though their thoughts may not be coherent. Despite this, they speak as though they've just unlocked the secrets of the universe. It's tedious to listen to them.
10. I Don't Get My Needs Met
A significant issue with being around a group of intoxicated individuals is that they may not prioritize or consider what I want from the experience. Being the only sober individual present, my needs are often overshadowed by their desire to have a good time. This even happened on my birthday, when my drinking buddies invited me to a pub, and the entire night was about them enjoying themselves while I felt ignored and invisible.
11. I Have To Help Them Do Damage Control The Next Day
After the drunken parties have ended, and I can finally return home, my inebriated friends will often ask me if they did anything questionable the night before. I must recount the events to them and then endure their shock, humiliation, and self-deprecation. Thus, not only do I play the role of a caretaker during the night, but I also become their therapist the next day. And, of course, there's the inevitable "I'm never drinking again!" proclamation that follows. Whatever, I've heard that before.
