In vino veritas

...... is a latin expression which in English, translates to "there is truth in wine". Simply put, it suggests that alcohol tend to loosen the tongue (and limbs) and one is more likely to say (or do) what they really feel under the influence of alcohol.

'In vino veritas' is a saviour for humankind especially the tongue-tied and meek population. For the longest time, it is accountable for many first moves or first confessions which have brought about (un)expectably good results. Sometimes all we need is a little dutch courage and alcohol is a cheap and readily available catalyst.

May I add also that it is also one of the last remaining legally-permissible poison that can be consumed in the public domain.....

But 'in vino veritas' is also the culprit of the many salah behaviours we display during intoxication such as drunk-dialing, drunk-singing, drunk-snogging, drunk-shagging, drunk-bitchfighting, drunk-punching&kicking etc. How many times have we woken up from a drunken stupor and slap our forehead thinking, "Why the heck did I do that for??"

Is that what we REALLY wanted to do/say?

I doubt. Explain that fat, balding and pot-faced ah beng lying next to you. Is that the truth you are seeking?

Under the law of torts, a "drunken intent is nonetheless an intent". This means that you cannot use intoxication as a defence for commiting a crime, especially when the intoxication is self-inflicted (meaning you drank yourself silly). In the court of law, a person would be held responsible for the actions he/she did during voluntary intoxication.

Applying that to our normal partying life, I often hear people (and even myself) explaining their actions simply by saying "I don't know! I was drunk". Quick as lightning, they shift all responsibility to an inanimated liquid. Just picture yourself pointing your finger to a bottle of gin in the courtroom.

Lately I have been trying to drink more often. Not in inordinate amounts, just on a more regular basis. Instead of reaching for a bottle of water to quench my thirst, I'll reach for some choya. Instead of washing down a burger with coke, a beer does it better. I found that regular drinking has its benefits: your tolerance increases meaning you tend to hold out more during Saturday night binges. This also mean that you tend to curb your 'in vino veritas' and maintain your composure even when your mates are down on the floor.

So my point is: Learn how to drink and not spill, or don't drink at all. Sometimes, it's just not worth picking up the pieces of your intoxicated self...

Author's note: Please don't wag your fingers yet! This entry is actually more of a reminder to myself.... miu!