Well, I’m someone who goes out drinking with friends usually once a week (at least). It’s not any sort of a bad thing. It’s just a thing some people do. Myself, I hate board games. So, how else am I suppose to meet with friends?
Going out drinking at a pub is just something people do to keep in touch with their friends. When you go out, you end up seeing many random people who you haven’t called in years (or perhaps ever) and you get to find out what they’re doing with themselves, establish new business relations, get ideas on the best movies to see from trusted people, hear about the outrageous going-ons in an otherwise mundane existence.. and most importantly you get a chance to create new memories with these people, bonding you closer together. (hey, one day you’re gonna need to borrow someone’s truck and having these memories together will allow that to happen effortlessly and happily)
In my observation, people who drink are people who like other people for people-sake. They enjoy conversation, they enjoy people watching, they enjoy hearing laughter, having laughter with friends. Meeting new people, reconnecting with old people. They enjoy the different taste of beers and wines. These beverages are extremely enjoyable once you figure out the complexity of their flavors. Every pub serves a different Poutine or Plate of Nachos. A lot of pubs have exceptional cooks who don’t realize exactly how good they are. They’ll make you sandwiches of unbelievable calibre! Or lasagnas or various entrees and what have you. People who go out drinking are people who enjoy letting life take them on adventures.
Drinking culture isn’t bad, it’s just an option. To me, it’s been a very good option. I continue to enjoy it even though I don’t get drunk every time. Getting drunk isn’t the goal for most people who go out drinking. People who drink to get drunk only may have a problem or else they are simply inexperienced with alcohol. You can go out with them and not drink if you want. Many of my friends do.
There’s nothing to fear. I say, enjoy it.