Why won't my parents respect my decision?

Question

I've never been interested in drinking, it's a personal choice that I have made. Anyone who drinks around me is really negative or annoying, but my parents won't/cant understand my decision to not drink. They keep trying to force alcohol on me telling me it's not bad and they don't understand my weird ways. I have a lot against alcohol, but I don't whine or push my ways to not drink onto other people. I am very uncomfortable even being around a large group who drinks, even my underage brother does around me. I can't stop them from drinking, but how can I explain to them that I just don't want to drink so they can understand? I've tried everything I could think of.

Oh..I just turned 21 in Nov. just FYI.

Answer 1

dont lets them talk u into frinking keep your opinion strong. it is definetly a good one and SMART! keep trying to help your parents

Answer 2

That is a very noble decision and no one should try to force you to do something that you don't want to do especially your parents. I was a major alcoholic for quite a few years then in late February of this year I decided to quit after doing something really stupid, so I quit for nine months I didn't drink and then I decided that I felt that I could keep things under control ya know a couple of beers on weeknights and maybe get drunk once on the weekends and I have stuck with that for the time being. Don't let anyone give you any $hit if people can't respect your decision then tell them to go to hell because you should be the only one that matters to you. I sure hope that you can convince your parents to get off your back because I tell ya what my mom was my biggest supporter when I quit, and I am married and my wife never really gave me any kind of praise and that really bummed me out because for me to quit drinking was a big deal (to me anyways) and she didn't seem to acknowledge that, but I stuck to my guns and wouldn't drink and that is what you need to do as long as you have someone that supports you that should be all that matters. Drinking isn't for everyone, and at least you know it isn't for you that is pretty cool and I support your decision for what it's worth.

Answer 3

There is nothing wrong with not drinking but you can perhaps avoid the same thing over and over again, keep a lot of Pepsi or some other soft drink around and tell them that you prefer that. if you go out somewhere you can always order just a soft drink rather than alcohol and still appear to be drinking.

Answer 4

I don't drink either. I get some looks, as now I don't even drink soda. I've never liked the taste of alcohol (yes, I've tried it) and I can't stand people being 'drunk'.

Stand your ground. Get your own drinks (ice water, pop, whatever you like) and tell everyone else that what you have is fine. Eventually, they will get used to it.

Just because your parents are clueless doesn't mean you have to be. You've made a great decision in your life and will be far better for it.

Answer 5

I really hope that you don't take this the wrong way, but it sounds like your parents are a bit immature. This situation is quite odd. Parents are usually trying to convince their children not to drink. I think your the smartest person about this situation. I would clearly explain to my parents how they make me feel about them forcing this upon me. Tell them that you are afraid that you might turn into an Alcoholic if you try it, and if they really cared about you, they wouldn't pressure you into it. Let them know that you demand respect, and if they can't respect you when you come around, then you might need to take a break from them. Good Luck

Answer 6

Dont listen to your parents. You made a smart choice in deciding not to drink. A lot of people think that drinking is just harmless fun. But there are a lot of alcoholics in my family and it was really scary for me 2 have 2 see them getting drunk and becoming abusive and stupid. Do whats best for you .Don't let anyone else influence your decision

Answer 7

Tough question. I grew up in a home where my parents both smoked 2 packs of cigarettes a day, and never wanted to smoke--but my parents respected my decision and NEVER tried to push their personal choices on me, and I'm very grateful for that still, almost 40 years later.
You absolutely have the right to your feelings and values, for better or worse, and anyone who tries to coerce, belittle, or trick you into something else isn't your friend, weather they be in or outside your family. In fact, MOST abuse comes from inside a family.
If they are going to make you the black sheep of the family, they really don't need a GOOD reason to do so--any reason will do.
Stick to your guns! Be true to yourself, and you will be much happier in life. If THEY can't handle you being a little different, that's their problem.

Answer 8

Are you old enough to drink alcohol? If so, why does your parents made you drink alcohol, is this in a social gathering? But bottom line your parents got an ulterior motive of making you drink. No respect at all to you. As a parent myself, I don't see myself forcing my daughter to drink alcohol.
"Just tell them you don't like the taste or flavor" To me I always get away by saying "I got highblood pressure"!!

Answer 9

Good for you standing up for what you believe- even to your parents! It doesn't matter if your parents respect your decision or even if they understand it. You're an adult and you can do what you think is right for you and they can do what they think is right for them. They can't force you to drink, just keep saying no. If it bothers you, move away from them.

Answer 10

Sit them down and tell them what you've said here.
You don't like the negativity drinking produces, people seem to become annoying when they drink and it is your personal choice to not participate in that behavior.
Tell them it means a lot to you to have them understand this, and rather than forcing you to drink they should be proud of you for taking a stand against something you find destructive.
Assure them that you are not trying to get them to be like you, but you would like the freedom to make this choice without interference from them.
If you do this and they continue to try to influence you to drink then you will have to put up boundaries such as; if they are drinking you will go to your room or go and visit with a friend. The most important thing you can do is stay true to yourself, follow your heart and not give in to please them. You are making an excellent choice for yourself. You should take pride in standing firm against the tide, especially when the pressure comes from your parents.
Perhaps the reason they are trying to get you to drink is because it makes it okay for them to drink. Misery loves company.
Keep your chin up!

Answer 11

That's very unusual, usually it's the other way around. Anyway, it's your choice, not theirs. They shouldn't be forcing anything down your throat (no pun intended), especially something unhealthy and illegal. You should not drink if you don't feel comfortable about it. If it gets really serious, you could even call the cops, but I hope it never comes to that.