My first time drunk

Monday, December 23, 2013 Permalink

Neither of my parents were / are drinkers. Apparently one of my grandfathers partook in a regular beer and occasional rum, but other than that I was essentially raised in a world of non-drinkers.

drunk

I still recall a conversation I had with my father when I was quite young. We’d walked into town to meet my mother after work one Saturday night and I remember sitting on the town hall green watching some pissed people wander about.

“I’m never ever drinking and never ever smoking,” I told (or promised) my father solemnly.
“You’re too worried about what others think of you and will succumb to peer pressure,” was his response (or similar).
“No, no I won’t!”

It’s funny cos I steadfastly refrained from drinking for a very long time (*see below for two slightly-odd and accidental exceptions!).

I lived at a residential college at University – in retrospect a fabulous experience as it gave me a group of ready-made friends… two of whom I later lived with and remain my best friends to this day. I was – however – a bit strange because I refused to drink alcohol. I suspect part of it was related to the fact that I was anorexic (and a recovering anorexic) in my first couple of years there; but it kinda became a ‘thing’ and I felt I had to hold out.

Others tried to tempt me – my brother foisted Southern Comfort upon me and my friends offered up Malibu. But other than those in the God-Squad I was the only non-drinker I knew. It had its benefits though, because my friends could rely on me to look after them on evenings out and remind them of EVERYTHING that happened the night before. (Which they obviously appreciated. #NOT!)

That all changed when I moved into a flat (with one of the besties I mentioned). On our first night the other bestie joined us and we opened some champagne. (And I never looked back!)

I’m again linking up with the lovely Kerri Sackville for her ‘My First’ series.

*PS.
1. My mum is a fabulous cook and loves baking. I have always loved eating. When I was very young I got stuck into the Rum Balls at Christmas – eating enough that I became sick. I cannot stand the smell of rum to this day.
2. The first time I was drunk actually involved a bottle of Summer Wine at a relative’s wedding. For unknown reasons a bottle was placed on the ‘kids’ table at the reception (I was about 12 at the time) and a few of us scoffed the entire bottle – with no idea we were drinking alcohol. My parents had no idea until we got into the car to go home and I couldn’t stop giggling. Thankfully I must have only had a glass or two. Not enough for a hangover.

Do you remember the first time you were drunk?
Or was it inadvertent like mine?

9 Comments
  • Lee-Anne
    December 23, 2013

    You were wise hanging out for champagne – apart from red wine, it’s my favourite 🙂
    My own first experience with alcohol was pretty undignified…
    http://bit.ly/17YMg9h

    • Debbish
      December 23, 2013

      I’m exactly the same Lee-Anne. I really only still drink champagne and red wine. (No spirits etc, though I’m partial to the occasional margarita!)

  • Char
    December 24, 2013

    I don’t think I’ve ever been drunk. I’ve been a bit relaxed but that’s as good as it gets. And it’s only been in the last couple of years that I’ve even found anything I like to drink – cider and $600 dollar a bottle champagne.

    • Debbish
      December 24, 2013

      Oh, I envy you Charmaine… think of all the calories you save! (More for cake and chocolate!) 😉

  • Kerri Sackville
    December 24, 2013

    Summer Wine on the KIDS TABLE? That is absolutely hilarious. Seriously. Brilliant.

    • Debbish
      December 24, 2013

      I’m sure someone told us it was alcohol free wine! Perhaps they got the bottles mixedup! (The reception was in a church hall so I suspect it was all a bit informal!)

  • Satu
    January 3, 2014

    I’m not sure I remember my first time drunk. I didn’t much care for drinking in my teens either and I’ve never been a big partyer (is there such a word?). I really only learned to drink in my mid 20’s.

    I don’t remember it myself but I did something similar when I was 4 or 5. My parents say I started dancing.
    Incident #2 reminds me of the Anne of Green Gables series… 🙂

    • Debbish
      January 3, 2014

      I haven’t read all of the Anne of Green Gables series Satu….

      Love that you were drunk-dancing even at 4 or 5!!!

      • Satu
        January 3, 2014

        Unfortunately I don’t remember drunk-dancing at age 5 or smt! 🙂

        I haven’t read the series either but there is a scene in the tv-series (Canadian) where where Anne’s best friend Diana gets drunk on home wine or something . If you haven’t watched the series I recommend it!

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