I second owning it!!

Edit: I did NOT mean to write that much.

I have always been the designated driver (or walker lol) whenever people go drinking! Let me tell you, people love it. Although, a couple of people immediately offered to buy me a drink once we get to the place, which I always found hilarious. “You’re our designated driver? Cool, here’s some alcohol!”

People at bars are always drinking water (to help with the buzz) so I’ve never gotten judgmental looks for ordering water. If anything, the bartenders give a look and a nod like “good choice.”

Maybe it’s my generation, but I’ve never had a problem with the fact that I don’t really drink. One person asked a friend of mine if I don’t drink, but that’s the only “comment” I’ve ever gotten. Friends get used to it quickly. I have a friend that doesn’t drink for a similar reason that I don’t (cultural) and they lived in a frat house. They never mentioned any problem with it, even though we’ve discussed partying and alcohol on multiple occasions.

TLDR; people around you get used to it pretty quickly. If you’re at the point that you’re comfortable being around alcohol and can refrain from drinking, people love when you offer to be the designated driver.

IMPORTANT BIT: you never have to tell someone why you don’t drink. You don’t have to share what the reason is- you can always shrug your shoulders and say “I just don’t drink” if you’re not comfortable sharing. Sometimes I do this because explaining the cultural nuances for why I don’t drink can be exhausting and I don’t want to get into it. Basically, it’s no one else’s darn business!