Elliot’s doing pretty much what I’d be tempted to do at a big party; go off on my own somewhere comfortable and away from the crowd. An ideal gathering size for me is four or less people, myself included. Unless I’m familiar with most everyone present, more than that is likely to make me feel uncomfortable.

That said, it’s probably not surprising that I haven’t been to many parties. I have been to some, however, and one in particular stands out. It was an apartment warming party where I knew about two out of the dozen people there, and I was the only one not drinking. I believe I was old enough to do so legally if I had wanted to, but I didn’t. I brought root beer that was meant as an option for everyone, though I think I’m the only one who drank any.

Needless to say, I was the life of the party.

Being the only sober guy at a party, particularly a party where one hardly knows anybody, is awkward. One serves several useful functions, however, such as keeping certain people from doing REALLY stupid stuff as opposed to simply stupid stuff, and making coffee when everyone inevitably comes down from the booze high. The presence of a designated driver is also an upside to having someone sober around, and I tend to fulfill that role on new years eve.

One thing that was interesting was this one guy who declared, prior to drinking anything, that he didn’t like the idea of me not drinking when everyone else was. Later, after a beer, he told me he respected my restraint. After a second beer, he had turned against me once more, telling me I should drink. He seemed to go back and forth on his position regarding my drinking with every beer he drank. Beyond being an interesting anecdote, I consider that yet another reason to not start drinking any time soon.

Which is not to say I condemn alcohol in general. I think it can be fine, like most things, >in moderation. I also believe it is best to wait until older for health reasons, as drinking too much too young can have additional long term effects. I am old enough where, supposedly, I don’t have to worry as much. I get addicted to things that don’t even have naturally addictive properties to them, however, so I intend to continue not drinking.

Anyway, as lame as it might make me seem to some people, I would much prefer a small gathering with close friends in place of a big party, alcohol present or otherwise. I’ve recently spent a Friday night simply playing Clue with a couple of friends at their apartment, and I considered that a far superior evening to the party I described earlier.

As for whether I would want to attend Grace’s birthday party... Well, yeah, of course I would. I’m not sure who I’d want to attend it with, but I’d show up just for the opportunity to play with the transformation gun.