Took a long time to come...

This will be my year.

I fell off the wagon, but I'm back on and things are going splendidly. lots of good stuff in the works that I don't really want to put on the permanent record yet.

but to get myself started, today's topic is:

How to interact with someone who isn't drinking without being a douche.

1. don't try to sympathize. You drink, they don't. It's an easy formula. Relax. If you find yourself trying to coerce them into drinking, wonder to yourself if you need alcohol to have fun, and how that makes you feel about yourself.

2. if buying a round, include a N/A drink for them. Don't be an ass and exclude them from celebrating. I prefer sugar free red bull, but anything without alcohol will show forethought and caring.

3. LEAVE IT ALONE! accepting that your friend doesn't drink as a matter of course is the least awkward way to deal. Ever been asked why you're still single? Ever been asked repeatedly by the same person, all night long? These people are badger pokers. NEVER POKE A BADGER.
WHY THIS IS UNCOOL:
section a. Just like Aunt Marla asking you when you're going to get married, it is impossible to ask someone why they don't drink without being insulting. In the same way that you aren't married because you're ugly, mean, or aren't allowed to express your romantic desires in your state, someone who decides not to drink, but is around drinkers, has a reason that is neither up for debate nor pleasant enough for social conversation.
section b. asking someone why they are single, just like asking someone why they don't drink, will only pressure someone to doubt themselves. If Aunt Marla points to Cousin Ton(e)y and asks "why don't you give him just one dance?", you say "Because (s)he's my COUSIN!" at the same time that you're thinking "but not by blood...". In the same way, if you ask you're sober friend to have "just one drink" they will say "I don't drink!" but they will think "Just one might be ok...". AND BOOM! Incest-DUI.