Re: What do you usually do?
Are you kidding? If you live in countries where drinking is a social norm and you stopped hanging out with people who drink, you would probably become a social pariah and likely miss out on important business deals with clients or promotions within the company. My work involves a lot of people interaction. I am not at the executive level yet but I do attend client meetings like the ones you mentioned where at the start of a project, you and your team entertain the client and discuss important business details over a meal. If I used the excuse that I am not comfortable sitting through a meeting where alcohol will be served, I’d probably get fired or never get promoted.
I live in Toronto and it’s so multicultural, hardly anyone would raise an objection for your personal choice over not drinking. It’s really not as big of a deal to westerners as you’re making it out to be.