Judging The Lush

You've probably done it yourself. Put on those judgmental shades and got down to business judging that "lush", "cheap date", or "lightweight". While I've always placed a higher level of respect and reverence upon those who were able to "hold their liquor", I've recently begun to wonder, did I actually have it all wrong all along?

Why do we consume...
When I think about my own consumption habits, there are common threads that link everything--I'm trying to relax, let loose, have fun--essentially self medicate and prescribe a substance that will help me achieve that desired outcome.

Yet, in the midst of that consumption, I'm very aware--almost hyper aware--of my current state of mind. Almost as if I'm constantly trying to keep thousands of marbles from falling off of a convex table. But why would I fight my changing my state of mind, while in pursuit of changing my state of mind?

I know why!
Plain and simply, if I allow the effects of my consumption to take hold--unobstructed--other people will think I'm a loser. And you've felt this, too. Stiff lip, firm stance, deliberate speech. The exact opposite of a lush. But what's interesting is that...guess who's having more fun? Guess who's actually letting loose; relaxing?

So there's a good chance that the lush I'm judging doesn't care and will have a good time regardless of my disapproving looks and/or comments. How do I know? Because most lushes keep on being lushes. And I know that there are those who consume and act like total morons, but that could be the person who loses it after 3 shots, or the person who can down a 5th by themselves.

Anyway, I say all of that to say; from here on, I'm abandoning my front. If someone is in "pursuit of happiness" and not ruining my day, why should I care? Surely there's nothing wrong with being giggly, more open and a little loose with the lips.

Besides, I'm trying to get there myself...right?

"Elitism in all forms distracts us from the truth of our common [goal]" - Dustin Moskovitz