Hangovers are undeniably the worst, but neither author of this piece has ever experienced a hangover. Most of us have probably seen those friends the next day, after a night of partying, looking like they just awoke from their grave, but less commonly, we’ve seen that friend who awakens as if they slept their full eight hours on a bed of clouds. What caused this superhuman reaction for them to go from passed out drunk to fine and dandy the morning after?

There is a looming statistic thrown around that 25 to 30 percent of drinkers are immune to hangovers. Upon research, the idea is highly debated on whether this is possible for that to happen. For us, we have never experienced a hangover, nor do we want to, and believe us, we have put it to the test numerous times. However, that fact about us earns sheer jealousy and eye-rolls from our peers.

We’ve heard it all.

“That’s not possible!”

“You’re not drinking enough!”

“You’re not doing it right.”

Whatever you may believe, studies have suggested that hangovers are not as universal as people might think.

According to the Australian Twins Registry, a study was conducted and found that “genetic factors accounted for 45 percent of the difference in hangover frequency in women and 40 percent in men.”

Dr. Sarah Jarvis, general practitioner and charity medical advisor, said some people may be “less susceptible to the effects of acetaldehyde, the toxic substance produced when alcohol is first metabolised in the liver.”

Our bodies are all unique and very different, and the claims of those who don’t get hangovers should not be dismissed.

An open discussion about the issues surrounding ourselves and our bodies should take place because they may lead to future insights, rather than claiming people as liars for their reaction to a substance.

This goes for more than just alcohol and hangovers, it also applies to how our bodies and minds work in different ways than the majority. Shaming people for something they do or do not feel breeds negativity and exclusion. It’s not your place to tell another how they should feel for their disposition.

What we should do is listen to people without snap judgements and snarky sayings that make people feel guilty because they are “lucky” or make them feel bad because you don’t agree or believe them. We are all unique; we all experience the universe a little differently. Some people see the world in a prettier light. Some people feel more intensely than others. And maybe some people just won’t ever know what a hangover is.