Yeah, that's the thing. Having a couple of social drinks is totally different than getting drunk. I'm still not questioning my decision not to do it myself, but I'm also not questioning my opinion that I don't mind when my friends do it. So the question remaining is, what's with the people who only drink socially, not to get drunk, but drink beer? They say they like the taste. What's up with that?

So why do I actually dislike the whole thing? A lot of my attitudes to things that were verboten when we were younger haven't changed as I've gotten older, because I was such a goody-goddy and never questioned authority. I'm now okay with my friends smoking pot, but still won't touch it myself. I'm still somewhat uncomfortable with sexual stuff, even though sex is normal and healthy. Still hate cigarettes. Even driving was more difficult for me the first time than for most. But with alcohol and getting drunk, I guess I just can't get past the fact that people are deciding to chemically alter their personality, frequently for the worse, when I like them perfectly well the way they are.

Your parents brewed mead? Only you, Penny. That's awesome.