What do you usually do?

[Wehshi_Jatt]

Re: What do you usually do?

@madz124

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.

What you quoted was just an example I gave in replying to somebody else.
I understand that the majority of western ppl would not have an issue if someone does or does not drink when they are. My only concern was just for some extreme cases, where it might be seen awkward and disrespectful for someone to not share a drink with others.
As for OP’s case, she has a straightforward choice to make.