My parents had a different train of thought on drinking. Drink at home and drink responsibly. That is not to say that I never had a drink without them, but that they did not feel any harm in me having a sip of this or that, perhaps a 1/2 glass of wine at Christmas or other occasion. If I wanted a drink, I could go get one, something I never took advantage of. I imagine that if I was abusing the privilege it would have stopped immediately. I cannot remember the exact age, maybe around 15. Realize that at that age I was respecting the fact that it was being allowed to me. In return I was very careful about maintaining my composure and not behaving like a "drunk." After I reached 16 or so, going out with friends, hanging around bonfires and having a beer or whatever was available. I really was never what I would call a drinker, one or two and I was done. I could probably say that I had more frequent alcohol consumption when I was underage than I do now.
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