Alcohol appreciatie post

Alcohol gets criticised so much that I just want to say: I’m genuinely grateful it exists.

I love that warm, rosy glow a few drinks can give an ordinary day. I’m also grateful that I can usually drink two or three pints, enjoy the buzz, and then simply stop. And occasionally I can have a proper bender, become a very happy drunk, dance, laugh, talk to everyone, and have a brilliant night without becoming aggressive, emotional, or looking for trouble.

Wine with food is also one of life’s greatest pleasures. A good red wine with dinner, cold white wine in the sun, champagne at a celebration, or a beer after a long day can make an already nice moment feel special.

Alcohol also makes me more tolerant of other people. Small annoyances stop mattering, strangers become more interesting, conversations flow more easily, and I become more affectionate and sociable. Obviously alcohol can cause serious problems for some people, and not everyone should drink, but for many of us it can genuinely add pleasure, connection, celebration, and colour to life.

I also dislike the idea that abstinence is somehow morally superior. Some religions and cultures prohibit alcohol completely, but being restrictive about harmless pleasure does not automatically make a society healthier, kinder, or more socially progressive. Not drinking is a perfectly valid choice. Acting as though everyone who enjoys alcohol is weak, sinful, or irresponsible is not.

So here’s to good wine with food, cold beers in the sun, slightly drunken conversations with strangers, joyful nights out, and knowing when you’ve had enough.

Cheers.