I feel like many people in this world are so consumed with consuming. And by consumption, I obviously mean alcohol consumption. I know that not everyone drinks, and that there are lots of non-drinkers in the world, straight edge bad-asses in their own ways... "gems," as I like to call them. People like me, who don't feel like they have to drink just to fit in, or because they've suddenly become legal. Still, I feel like the "odd one out" most of the time and I wish that sensation wasn't so real in this day and age.

My twenty-first birthday was just a couple of days ago and I knew that it wouldn't be like the stereotypical twenty-firsts that you see in movies, or hear about from your friend's cousin's little sister, or read about or watched on TV sitcoms. My twenty-first wasn't like most would expect it to be, and that was fine by me. It was more laid back, it was... me. I was a little panicked though, because even though I tend to stay true to myself and march to the beat of my own drum regardless of others, I still feared what people would think of me. I still felt that itching, pesky pressure that just couldn't fully be shaken. I was twenty-one. It was like a right of passage to drink. It was like I had to, because that's what the world expects. I was wrong about that one.

I have to remember that I live in Wisconsin for one, and drinking in this state, is majorly huge. So to be of a legal drinking age and living in a state that likes to get all wild, and me not really feeling it -- not the best mixture. Still, I had to remember that it's okay not to drink. The rest of my birthday consisted of multi-colored cupcakes and pretend lit candles (the stupid matches weren't working. Insert sad face here) Cards Against Humanity, and lots and lots of food and laughs. I had one glass of wine whilst watching Portlandia that evening when I spent the night at my aunt's house. It was simple and perfect. And better yet: I remembered everything that night and I didn't wake up with a throbbing headache from hell. There is more to life that getting "turnt" and drinking a bottle of vodka. Okay, over exaggeration, but you get what I mean.

Not drinking particularly as much as the average young twenty something is a personal choice for me. It's not like I'm against all alcohol and think it's the devil's blood or something. (Oh man, that sounded really weird, now that I think of it.) I don't think that screwdrivers or martinis are horrible -- I'm not hating on anything. I do like the occasional glass of wine or a beer here and there. But even then, that is rare and I usually only drink with family members or people I really, really really trust. Below are the reasons why it's okay not to drink. And I'll be specifically talking about having multiple drinks. Why, the world is not going to end if I don't do a shot with the other boys and girls... why it's perfectly 100 percent alright to be the designated driver, or to spend the night in with a few good flicks and a bowl of popcorn. And lastly, why not everything revolves around alcohol when it comes to having a good time.

1. You can feel smart at parties.

You're watching everyone else make a fool out of themselves at those parties in college. Yes, it's not exactly the nicest thing to do, but at least you can kind of look at it as a lesson of sorts. You see that you could be them, acting stupid, spilling drinks and making poor decisions they'll regret later. But you're not. Instant relieve is the best feeling ever.

2. You won't wake up the next morning wondering what happened.

Yeah, you obviously get the picture with this one. I love waking up in my bedroom after passing out watching Funny Face and Roman Holiday all night. I remember everything! Especially how attractive Gregory Peck was. ;)

3. Not drinking/getting drunk = no nasty hangovers.

I will hear so many stories about people who did silly things while drinking, and then hearing them complain about their horrid hangovers. I'll get snap chats of them laying in bed, looking like a corpse in their casket... drooling. Caption:"What happened last night? UGH. Never again."

4. Not feeling the need to get wasted makes you stronger.

And standing up for yourself against a crowd begging you to take shots with them or even having one drink with them really reflects who you are. It shows a lot about how much you care about yourself and who you are. Gold star for staying true to yourself. Give yourself more credit, because this is kind of a big deal (in my opinion, anyway).

5. It's TOTALLY okay to stay in for the night.

You don't have to go out. I know that being twenty-one, for example, feels like such an obligation to go out. That's how I felt, at least. But there isn't a book on "life" and a chapter regarding "drinking" in this world. You write your own stories and you do whatever the hell YOU want to do. If you feel comfortable staying in with a couple of friends, watching movies and ordering pizza, then so be it.

6. I'm going to focus on the important things...

Drinking isn't really a priority. It is not a necessity. It's something that people do in their free time, to celebrate, to relax and to all around have a good time. But just because you don't want to do it doesn't make you a "loser." Maybe you just want to focus on real things right now. Not saying having one drink at the bar is stupid, but my point is: SO WHAT. Go head on in life and do what you need to do.

7. Why do you care so much?!?!

People must really care if I don't want to drink or not. They're practically pouring it down my throat - but the question is: Why? Do you want to see me really drunk or something? What's the deal with wanting me to act foolish? I can act silly without being intoxicated. Leave me alone!

I don't want to offend people that do like to drink and party -- that's their life and their choices. But this article is for the people who feel like losers who are obligated to drink. My message to you is, no. You don't have to, and just because you don't doesn't make you any less cool. You are awesome and rad in your own ways, and alcohol isn't the answer to being awesome or amazing. Just keep being who you are, and people will soon respect that you aren't one for the alcoholic beverages.