surferlove007

I had no interest in alcohol until the summer following my graduation from High School. I was 18 when I had my first drink and deemed myself responsible enough to handle it. In High School I took my sport very seriously, Swimming. I viewed my body as a tool and didn't have any interest in introducing alcohol, drugs or anything of that nature into it.
I was always the friend who stayed behind to drive my friends home if they had been drinking. Thats just who I was and that was fine, I knew at least one of us from the group was sober and able to take care of people if they needed it. Before going to college my girlfriend Victoria told me I needed to at least experience what it was like being drunk so it wouldn't be a rude awakening at Texas Tech.
My first experience involved wine. She and i went and got a bunch of junk food, we went to her guest house and set up our beds and got ready for a fun night. I had about 2 glasses of red wine and I was pretty out of it. I remember it was a very fun experience and it was very safe. I do remember waking up and puking my guts out into the transhcan nearby (which she strategically placed). I couldn't ask for a better experience to start out with. I woke up without a hangover. My mom and dad knew I didn't have an interest in drinking because I drove my friends home a lot.
I believe a part of me choosing not to drink until I was 18 was a personal choice. While my parents influenced me, they did not put down a law in the house stating that me drinking was unacceptable. My sister is not a big fan of drinking either and shes 22. My parents did not drink in front of me from an early age and while alcohol was in the home it was never worried about. We also went to a Souther Baptist church which as many know does not promote drinking or dancing.
Every set of parents are different but I believe the choice is up to the child and their goals. I was disciplined while doing my sport so that is probably what affected my choice the most. My friends drank and attempted to get me to but I just always said no thanks and it wasn't a problem.
Now when James and I go out, if we're drinking we always decide on a DD before we even leave. We're responsible about it. At Texas A&M they have the safe ride system. Aggies stay up till 3am and will go pick you up from where you are and take you home with no questions. Keeps people safe and thats awesome. I think more schools need to implement that instead of just telling kids to abstain.
Now that I'm 20, I don't feel ashamed to have some wine in front of my parents. I have talked to my dad about drinking and he's been fine with it because he knows I'm responsible. He knows I would not put myself in a bad situation where I'd be driving or be able to be taken advantage of. At home we have a pretty stocked wet bar and its never been a problem. Ultimately drinking or not drinking is a personal choice from your child. You can influence that choice however at the end of the day its their call. My parents also always told me if I needed them to come get me then they would come no questions asked. Which means a lot too.