Is it a crime not to drink socially? 
I sort of got the feeling of that today. So we have a senior manager that joined our team today and will be coming in to check up on us on a biweekly basis. Today, being his first day, he decided to take the team (all four of us including my great project manager 
) out to dinner.
Well, we didn’t get out of the office until 7 pm. 10 minutes later I am at the hotel. 5 minutes later I get a phone call from my project manager saying that we will meet in the lobby in about 45 minutes. Cool. So I talked to my parents in between there and found out that my $400 compensation check from Air India came in the mail today. 
So that is definitely exciting to know that a bad experience can turn into something good @ the end.
Then finally we met to go to dinner, and I suggested that I will drive separately because I knew that everyone else on the team would want to stay and have drinks. So then what we decided was that everyone will go with me to the restaurant and then come back via the hotel shuttle. Finally we get to the restaurant, which wasn’t far from the hotel @ all, and everyone begins with drinks. As the Sr. manager is asking everyone they would like, he makes the comment to me that maybe I would like juice or milk. Um.. ok, thanks. **Nervous laugh**
By the end of the night, the question was raised for what reason I don’t drink, because of religion? Yes, that is definitely part of the reason. “But I know Hindus that drink, how so?” Well buddy, why don’t you go ask them! Geez! I don’t drink means I don’t drink, get off my back. If you want to drink and worsen your liver that is your problem but let me be. You know I just don’t understand why people make a big deal about drinking.
Bottom line a point of advice from a vegetarian non-drinker and non-smoker, never make an issue with another person just because they might do what you like to do (a.k.a the things that I just listed above). You are who you are and its your choice. And no, I will never drink just to impress someone or kiss up to a person who is more senior to me. I don’t care who you are, if I respect you or not, I will not drink, smoke, or do anything that I am not comfortable in doing — and that’s the way it should be. Peer pressure kills you, so don’t let it get the best of you.
Finally got back to the hotel at around 10.45 pm EST. Neeraj was always up as I was more than 45 minutes late calling him. 
We only talked for 10-15 mins as he had to get to the office. Its too bad because we really haven’t been able to get much of a chance, due to my project, to talk to each other. Tomorrow, we are hoping for better.
Alvida. Jai Mata Di.
Yup, I agree one shouldn?t do anything, if he/she is not comfortable with it. Its straight and forward.. if you don?t like it.. don?t do it. It?s your life. Don?t be pressurized by others, and end up having feeling guilty for doing something wrong.
As you know, I do drink? but I am a very occasional drinker? Sometimes, it happens that my friends want to have it, but I am not in a mood. So, more often than not, I politely refuse to join them..
And, yeah.. others too should respects one?s decision? shouldn?t force anybody by making remarks, comments etc..
Definately agree with you … I don’t drink either and I don’t care about what people think about that. It’s my body and I have fully rights to do whatever I like
I don’t understand either why sometimes people are so busybody that they always want to question what we do ?
First time to ur blog… really nice template and also the posts… (BTB came here thro’ Nupur’s blog)
i read ur touching love story… it was like a real movie love story with twists n turns… hmm, simply great….. :)
I wish u both with my whole heart… and wish that u both get married soon with consent from both sides..
Hmm, now coming to the article u’ve written here..
I do completely agree that drinking, smooking, eating non-veg all these r on one’s own wish..
I don’t do any of these cos i don’t find any necessity to do so… but, i don’t find it difficult to move with ppl who r so.. its their life…
Ok thn, will come back…. have a nice day.. :)
WTG Poonam!
till date I am a Vegetarian, Non-Drinker n Non-Smoker.
I don’t think religion is an issue for me but instead its my own wish not to consume these things. Generally guys think that drinking/smoking is a symbol of Manhood, which is totally wrong.
I agree with the fact that people shud respect others feelings and choices.
Really these things should not be forced upon…
After all its Meri Marzi…
hmm..
I am not a drinker but occasionally love to have wine, beer and may be ok! I smoked during college days few days thinking I was impressing somebody. But never got hooked up to anything…cos I am practical, down to earth and age of wisdom plays on u to determine whats good or bad or even to react..
sooo..
I do’nt think your senior manager was pressurizing you. You just took it personally. You just need to crack back and show your elegance. Had you done that they would have loved your company inspite what was going in yours of that mind.ior had just juice..That thinga happens and will happen its a party thing..or just that little thing to break that ice. that’s all..And its gonna happen..Do’nt fight it..luv it and the rest will will fall aplace.
BTW, you have a nice blog.. But that luv thing..a word should I say..enjoy and value the company you have right now. You do’nt know what lov is until the cracks gets cracking …and has gone old enough to realize that life is larger than that cracker you once had…the rest follows..how do I know..been their…circumstances change priority change and may be then you won’t feel like blog”ng then.
Practically,
A nerd and a very straight forward person
Yep I totally agree Manpreet. I don’t care if anyone around me drinks, you can do whatever you want, but its not necessary that you have to make an issue about the person who choose not to.
Exactly Mona. You said correctly. Mentioning it once in the night would have been fine, but this manager repeatedly brought it up, which I thought was unnecessary. Good point.
Thanks for stopping by Prasad.
Hope to see you again. Thanks also for the nice words about us. We appreciate it. 
I agree with you that if others want to do it they should be able to, but doesn’t mean that I have to do it as well. 
Manhood can definitely be a good reason Gaurav that men want to drink or even start drinking. Respect is key, and I agree.
Yep and shouldn’t be teased about it either (unless if you are with friends), I don’t think it should be done at a professional level, what do you say Ankur?
Thanks for stopping by Techie. Its hard to take suggestions or advice from someone who can’t even write his/her name on the comment.
Anyway, I can’t say that I agree with you because the sr. manager didn’t mention it once, it was brought a few times throughout the night. I didn’t think that was necessary. On the point of not enjoying my company, well, you will just have to ask them that but I did participate in the conversations and stayed till the very end, and did not sulk because of what he had said. That manager means nothing to me so there is no reason to be upset about it. Its the principle that should be noticed when you are at a business dinner.
About love. Once again, I read what you said but don’t understand by “cracking”. I think we have managed after four years to understand what love is and what it means for us. It isn’t rocket science, and everybody gets that feeling in different times in their relationship. Sometimes it takes one year, sometimes it takes 10. Whatever. Anyway, thanks for your comments. Hope to have a name with a comment the next time you write.
nice post poonam
will post my comment do trackback and post.. .. there lot i can write on this topic… right now in hurry bye
Yes this is a big problem here in US. Whenever I go for public meetings, I always order a non-alcoholic beverage. I really have not come to a situation where someone has questioned me why I don’t drink, but I could see the weird looks on their faces wondering what’s wrong with this girl! What I have seen is that when we meet clients, since the company pays for our lunch/dinner, most of the employees want to take advantage of that and order the best. So I guess it’s hard for them to believe that why I don’t order a good wine or some other alcoholic beverage. But then, I guess it’s the values instilled in us. Though I don’t see anything wrong with women (Indian) having alcohol (as long as it’s within the limits), but if someone does not, then others should better mind their own business and not become nosey!
hey punnu…. when someone asks why don’t you drink?… just say that you like to be in complete control of your senses. Somehow that sounds really nice and smart and sophisticated and if you say it with the right amount of bite to it…. they won’t dare question you further.
**hugs**
Thanks Puneet.
You put it so well Mannat.
I definitely agree with what you are saying. Not all Indian women feel that worried about drinking (maybe becoming part of this American business professional culture) because our senior manager was telling about an Indian girl, part of my group, who he had gone to a business dinner and basically she was drunk. Yep business dinners are all about order as much as you can, eat as much as you can, and drink twice as much as you have ordered. Other people should mind their own business. 
Nice thoughts!
Oh dear Rashuuu…great one!
I will keep that in mind the next time I am in this situation. 
You should do everything that your conviction tells you to do! Though I am a social drinker, I dont drink on certain days, and if a party/dinner falls on that day,it becomes tough for me to explain. I know its a bit illogical to drink one day , and refrain on certain others…but so be it! aisa hi hoon main! and since my conviction does not allow it, so i dont…to hell with the world on that! So, rest assured, what u r doing is correct and the most right thing!
I personally don’t like drinking. But, I don’t force or even utter a word to people who drink, to stop drinking.
And, I expect the same from these people. If I don;t want to drink, I DON’T WANT TO. PERIOD. Nobody should say anything to me… its my life.. and its my choice! As somebody put it above, MERI MARZI! :)
Good to hear Deepak. I am glad that you think that I am doing the right thing. I feel that its necessary to listen to yourself before listening or getting into pressure by others. Thanks for your thoughts.
Sahi hai Tanya. Bilkul sahi.
Mere ko maloom hai ke tum kiski baat kar rahe ho. 
Anyway, no one should force any other to do something that they are uncomfortable in doing…chahe drinking ho yaa kuch aur. Well said — Meri Marzi! 
Poonam, Tanya kiski baat kar rahi hai?
Hi poonam,
Its seems that in US everything is showoff including drinking. As I dont drink but dont like to stop any one as tanya said that its personal choice:smile:.
If we start looking others then every time we have to do that. Regarding drinking, in germany at least no one is bother whether you drink or not. Even some time they really like that. Ask your Neeraj:roll: he may be having similar opinion about germans.
I do agree with
techiethat we should give the company without taking any alcoholic drink.keep it up your thoughts and its really nice to see others view:grin:
Have fun
Neeraj
Yes you make a valid point Neeraj Tiwari….:smile: I made a change on your name and put in your last name so that we don’t get confused with my dear Neeraj.
i checked out your website..very nice.. congrats on your engagement. 
When are you getting married? Best of luck to you both always! 
I will have to ask Neeraj about his thoughts on this and what he saw in Germany.
Thanks for your nice words..keep coming back and commenting.
Congrats again!