aarrgghh! Arggh!! ARGHHHH!!!
OK, Guys. Ugh. So, I just came across something that has made me SO ANGRY that it has kicked me out of my ‘I’m too self-conscious to write on my blog’ phase!
Here it is:
Full Of Shmitt
Check out the square 5 over and 4 down. I AM FUMING!! AAAAHHH!!!
Shmitten Kitten is a blog about dating which also apparently advocates that someone who does not drink is a clear loser and not worthy to date which is one of the most awful ideas…ever. There are so many people who choose not to drink for a million different reasons, most of them admirable. Actually, can anyone out there provide me with a judgement-worthy excuse for not drinking? I can’t find one. To be placing it in the minds of the impressionable that someone who lives a sober lifestyle is somehow ‘less than’ is one of the worst things I’ve seen in a while. Although, I am vaguely amped that they at least threw us an image of George Michael Bluth as our symbol (and hero?).
Believe me, and I’m sure you out there know this too, it is hard enough being on a date with someone hoping that the moment won’t have to arise when they notice that you don’t drink and then make any kind of an issue out of it.
Guys, please write to this abhorrent blog and let them know how backwards that kind of thinking is and how all it is doing is making perfectly decent human beings feel even more alienated than they already do by the rest of society for making a positive life choice.
Here’s the original post: http://www.shmittenkitten.com/2011/07/i-now-present-you-with-official.html
Fight the stigma, folks!
Glad you posted this, dear. I saw it on Jez – which, side note, I almost never read anymore because every time I do I’m reminded that it appears to have gone irretrievably to shit – and was irritated by the post itself and even more irritated by the comments. I’m not sure why everyone else’s actions need to be perceived as a judgement on our lives, but apparently that’s how it is.
Hello! My name is Anna and I wrote this card. I’m genuinely sorry that it made you so upset! People seem to react to the not drinking element the strongest, which surprised me. Honestly, I just wanted to include the Drug Free Bluth image so that’s why it even made the cut.
Personally, I was straightedge until I was 22. I totally get the non-drinking thing and I would never judge anyone who abstained for whatever reasons they chose.
However, I know that in my life, it’s been tougher to date a guy who doesn’t drink because so much of my life surrounds the nightlife/ bar scene in Philly. In fact, I collaborated with a local brewery in the Spring and even had my own Shmitten Kitten beer! Regular readers of my blog would know that I have relationships with bars and breweries across the city. I get that out of context, my blanket statement that I wouldn’t date a guy who didn’t drink seems overly harsh.
For me, it’d be awkward if I went out with a guy who didn’t drink because I enjoy craft beers so much. That be something that I’d want to share with my date. Actually, given that I started drinking so late in my life, I have a special appreciation for wines, beers, and liquors in moderation. But, that’s just me!
The point of the bingo card was to make people laugh. I’m sorry it bummed you out. That was never my intention! Thanks for listening and I appreciate your feedback.
Anna
Hi Anna!
First of all, I really appreciate your reaching out, the opportunity to have an honest and respectful conversation about things like this is really what I’m all about, so really, thanks so much for taking the time!
Saying that your ideal match would be someone who imbibes as you have a personal passion for that culture is one thing – and a totally reasonable thing – but including just the words ‘he doesn’t drink’ in a ‘bad date bingo’ card is definitely something different. It makes it sound more like a good date is not achievable with someone who doesn’t drink, that a good time could not be had, even if they are not your soul mate, and I think we both know that that’s not true (and I know that it was not your true intention for it to come off that way), but sadly something that most people do seem to think is true. Dating is complicated anyway, as you know, and as a non-drinker it becomes uniquely complicated the minute drinks are ordered at a restaurant, and there’s lot that’s not really fair about that setup. I’m just trying to provide a voice for my fellow non-drinkers out there.
I really do appreciate your sensitivity and open-mindedness in this discussion and I wish you a ton of luck in your blog and beer brewing endeavor
You seem like a really cool and fun person and hopefully we’ve both learned a little bit here today (cue the NBC ‘The More You Know…” music) 
GEORGE MICHAEL BLUTH 4 EVA
Joanna