Let's start by saying, I am 43 and I never learned to drink (as you put it). I can't even handle the smell, why would I want to go further??? (same reason I never smoked)

I would never tell any person who enjoys a beer or wine (or any alcoholic drink) on occassion, that it is wrong. But I ASSUME it is because they LIKE it! If you need to "learn to drink" it sounds like you feel the need to (not because it gives you a bit of enjoyment, but because it is cool???)

If you happen to try a beer or some wine, and find you like the taste, then have 1 or 2 once in a while. But what happens if you force yourself to drink something alcoholic and your body reacts badly? What if that is all it takes to prove you have no control over what alchohol does to you? An alchohlic doesn't KNOW he/she is an alchoholic, not usually until the drinks start to run and ruin their lives. I just can't imagine purposely putting yourself in that possible danger.

So I guess my first advice would be "DON'T FORCE YOURSELF." and after that I would say start with something small and be true to yourself about how it makes you feel.