at least in the US, gen alpha wouldn't really be allowed in any bars which is honestly part of the problem

source: I'm on the younger end of gen z and I can't drink yet

> I can't drink yet

being on the older end, I can ASSURE YOU that you do not miss anything if you do not drink/cant drink right now.

Though, it took me some decades to realize this :-(

I think what matters most is that they get out and socialize.

If there is alcohol involved with that, it's a personal choice that I don't think deserves shame unless it's consumed in a shameful way. I would have to assume any adult should know their limits, be resilient against peer pressure, etc.

I would actually argue that the fights you have with yourself regarding addictions are just as much of a rite of passage as the fights you have with others while drunk.

If you so strongly wish you could eliminate negative experiences, you'll eventually have to ask yourself "compared to what?" and realize such a treadmill of misery is your true source of regret, not your actions or the consequences.

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