I gave up alcohol almost entirely when I was in my twenties. It was quite difficult -- work colleagues were often very pushy and my parents were very hostile about it -- but I've never regretted it. I do drink occasionally now but rarely in group situations and only then when I feel totally comfortable. Most of Mr EA's family is teetotal for religious reasons, which does help.

I've never fitted in, so being the weird teetotaller didn't bother me too much, except for all those people who assumed I must be trying to get pregnant.