A Conversation with an Alien

Sometimes we need to question our actions to ensure they align with who we want to be. If we don’t address our lifestyles, it can be very easy to just go with the crowd – even if that’s not what’s best for us.

One way I like to do this is by having an imaginary conversation with an alien.

Take a moment to picture an alien; someone who has never visited our planet and knows little about our culture. Now imagine explaining something to them – something that we take for granted. Like drinking, for example.

When we try to explain our drinking to someone who knows nothing about the culture of our planet (and our country in particular), it can become difficult to justify.

You might start to realise the reasons you want to drink are less convincing when you write them down than they are in your head.

This is a recent conversation I had with an alien...

Me: We are going to go out with my sports team tonight. Everyone will be drinking… is that ok?

Alien: Yeah sure… but what do you mean by drinking? Like drinking water?

Me: No! Drinking alcohol! It makes people really fun!

Alien: How?

Me: It just does! I don’t know exactly…

Alien: What usually happens when people get drunk?

Me: Lots of things can happen, really. Sometimes people laugh and dance. Other times they overshare, fall over, throw up or kiss someone they shouldn’t…

Alien: Is that fun?

Me: Well… kind of? It’s something to talk about the next day, anyway.

Alien: Oh okay, so you get drunk so you can have a friendly chat with people the next day?

Me: No… not really. Sometimes it can get quite heated; some people get really upset and the consequences of drunk actions can break up friendships and relationships for good.

Alien: And everyone enjoys this?

Me: I’m not sure. I think people are supposed to enjoy it… But a lot of the time people end up hurt or feeling anxious afterwards. I’m sure some people hate it, but it’s essential if you want to have a good time at uni.

Alien: I am confused! To have a fun time at uni, you must drink a substance multiple times a week which makes you regret things?

Me: Yes. Well, it sounds a bit weird when you put it like that. But that’s what all my friends, family, and generations before me said.

Alien: Can I ask what your uni experience would be like if you stopped?

Me: To be honest, a lot less regrets, more time for fun, a higher ability to focus on uni, and safer sex.

Alien: What has safe sex got to do with it?

Me: When you drink you sometimes say yes to things you wouldn’t say yes too normally. This means you can occasionally end up in a stranger’s house next to a person you don’t know… and people don’t always use protection.

Alien: What?! And this is advertised and promoted by family and friends?

Me: Well not that exactly; just drinking alcohol.

Alien: Which can regularly turn into that?

Me: Yes.

Alien: Have you tried talking to your friends and family about cutting down or giving up alcohol?

Me: Sometimes I do, but people don’t always listen. We’ve been taught to trust and love alcohol from a young age. It’s normal for people to drink, and weird for people to be sober.

Alien: Well, I feel sorry for you.

I've been sober for a while now, but that doesn't mean I never doubt my sobriety

When those doubts creep in and I find myself glamourising alcohol, I try to thrash it out with an alien.

This allows me to pull apart the silly, defensive thoughts I have about alcohol. It allows me to re-expose myself to what alcohol really is.

Next time you are trying to justify drinking to yourself, try having a conversation with an alien and see if you still feel the same afterward.