Iām just here to drink
By Elliot Chan, Opinions Editor
Games arenāt my thing, but I do enjoy company and a beverage now and then. Iām what you call a passive social drinker: I donāt care what you do, but let me do what I want to do. Hopefully I wonāt ruin your good time and you wonāt ruin mine.
Iāve never understood the purpose of drinking games, because I came to drink, not to prevent myself from drinking. The argument is that people who play drinking games tend to get drunker. I donāt necessarily disagree, since itās house rules, so BYOB. But itās not my intention to simply get drunk.
When a game of Kingās Cup or I Never breaks out, I sit to the side while other partygoers try to wrangle me into the group. Eventually, Iāll notice that everyone has gathered around a table or in a circle on the floor, scattering a deck of cards around. I give an exasperated sigh and express my lack of interest. I continue to receive indignation and encouragement from the group, but I can feel their loathing.
I have two options now: to be alienated from the party, or indulge my friends in a game I want no part of. Feeling like a sourpuss, I always choose the latter.
I donāt really care for games. They stress me out and cause me to think, which is the last thing I want to do when Iām relaxing with company, enjoying a conversation, and consuming alcohol responsibly. Now, Iām not saying Iām against drinking games; I donāt care what others do. Just because I donāt want to participate doesnāt mean I should be shunned for being a spectator. I conform to many things, but why should I spend my precious free time doing something I donāt want to do? I appreciate the invite, but I respectfully decline. Competition is fine, just not while I want to relax.
To me, sitting idly by is more enjoyable than trying to think of something Iāve never done, or remembering what rule correlates to the six of diamonds. The worst part about being a passive social drinker in a drinking game is that I will always end up being the loser, because I donāt pay attention. I forgot to put my thumb on the table or I miss a rhythmāwhatever.
But drunks are hard to convince.
A simple solution: if you want people at your parties, donāt force activities onto them. This extends further than drinking games: if you want lasting friendships, you shouldnāt shame others into doing what you want.
Iām aware that Iām not the most valuable person at a party. I bring a six-pack and a bag of chips and mingleāthat is my ideal party. Itās what I want to do after a long week of work. Let me have that without stressing over Truth or Dare. Please, let there be a mutual understanding. Because, hey, I donāt force you to come to karaoke night, do I?
