People don’t take up drinking to be sociable. Why then do we believe that drinking is a sociable pastime? Because we’ve been brainwashed from birth to believe it: alcohol is considered essential at practically all genuinely social gatherings like parties, weddings and even wakes. In fact, at some social gatherings, like the Oberfest, it would appear to be the only reason for the event. But like any other activity, people don’t do it to be sociable. “I only drink to be sociable” is not a reason but an excuse.
