I don't clearly remember my first drink but I do remember how awful I felt the first time I got drunk. I was about 15 and thereafter I drank with greater circumspection for a long time. In my teens I did not really excel at anything. I was mediocre at sport, an average scholar and lacking confidence in groups, especially female company. But just at the right moment I found that I could handle liquor much better than most of my peers. It seldom made me vomit and I did not suffer terrible hangovers.
It made such a change to my life. I felt so much more confidence after a few beers and was much better at coping in company. When I started working I quickly fell into the habit of going for a few beers after work every day. By the time I acquired a car I was quite accomplished as a drinking man who could be relied upon to take others home safely. People looked up to me for my ability to handle booze. Life had turned rosey for me and my many hang-ups faded away.