Hee - designated driver has been my excuse at times, since all my friends drink, and it is convenient for them. And double heehee because the only reason I've ever been tempted to drink is to gain the writing experience. Especially since I have a tendency to write chars smashed. But no one's ever called me on unrealism, so I think calling on the experience of sleep deprivation passes well enough...

I've had a couple Japanese completely astonished when I say I don't drink. "But...you're an American! From America!"