DEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S MOM: My Grandpa was an alcoholic. When we lost him to it the year I started high school, I swore I would never drink.
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Because I will not have so much as a beer I get made fun of by people, including my friends, at bonfires and other parties because I refuse to drink. I usually end up leaving when things begin to get wild, and I always offer to take anyone home before I leave.
I never judge my friends or anyone else for their choices and sometimes it bugs me that they judge me for mine.
In August I am heading to college and the school is known as the biggest party school in the state system. It also happens to be the only one with the program I want a degree in and that my parents and I can afford without taking on too much in loans.
I know I am going to be the weird one because I am going to keep to my promise to stay sober. How hard a time do you think I will have when I get there? --- STAYING SOBER
DEAR STAYING SOBER: I think it takes a lot of personal strength, maturity, and self-awareness to stick to your principles.
Your decision to stay sober might seem unusual to you, but you may very well find others who’ve decided to do the same, for any number of reasons, so I doubt you’ll be alone.
Besides, designated drivers are always going to be in demand, and you’ve already shown you’re willing to take on that role.