I think I've have 3 beers in my entire life.... I've just never understood the fascination with it. It all tastes gross
That's a rather strong conclusion to draw from having tasted at most three different beers (and I wonder if they were all that different... situations where people typically feel pressured to drink aren't known for the high quality of the beer on hand).
I've exaggerated a bit - I've had sips of more than 3 beers in my life. I've had tastes of lagers in the UK, a couple German beers, and a few others over time - a swig here and there, etc. 3 was basically full (or near full). There's just nothing appealing at all with any of the types (closest I could probably do would be a cider, which isn't really a beer though, right?).
This feels like a no true scotsman issue. "Well, if you'd had good beer, you'd feel differently!". :) I've had tastes of beer where people said "this is the best stuff here". It's still ... ugh. Can't deal with the taste.
If my life depended on it, I probably could do it, but thankfully I've never been in that situation :)
I've exaggerated a bit - I've had sips of more than 3 beers in my life. I've had tastes of lagers in the UK, a couple German beers, and a few others over time - a swig here and there, etc. 3 was basically full (or near full). There's just nothing appealing at all with any of the types (closest I could probably do would be a cider, which isn't really a beer though, right?).
If that's your experience, I'm fine listing you as "doesn't like beer."
I couldn't get used to the taste of beer for something like two years since I started drinking alcohol. At first I hated it, now I just tolerate it. I still don't really like it, but I don't have problem with drinking it in social situations anymore.
[quote]I still don't really like it, but I don't have problem with drinking it in social situations anymore.[/quote]
I think the author wanted to express precisely that point you implies: in social situation people who doesn't want to drink is used to fell forced from others' thought (or from circumstances) to drink.
None will say that aloud, because everybody knows that it is some sort of social rule, like wearing robes (you should truly put those pants up, Mike), and it's embarrassing for both sides pointing out the anti-social move.
Thinking that those who won't drink would be boring or spoil the party(<--classic excuses) to the good guys, who simply follow society rule like "ought to drink in meeting", is a really spread notion, in which even I found myself.
p.s.
a less idiot excuse imho is that, when you drink with others, there is a mutual and tacit agreement to "relax" social boundaries, to be more natural, to not feel constantly judged ("Come on! I was drunk! I really didn't meant that"<<classic). But when there is one who won't agree putting on this kind of "shelter" or "mask" (not to spoil social relaxation but because he can't sustain the shelter itself), everyone feels embarrassed because you are not sure that this kind of social outcast is going to respect or not the tacit agreement without the ritual drinks.
I hope I've been comprehensible.
That's a rather strong conclusion to draw from having tasted at most three different beers (and I wonder if they were all that different... situations where people typically feel pressured to drink aren't known for the high quality of the beer on hand).