Mindy Kaling reflects on her upbringing in an artsy private high school in Cambridge, Massachusetts, contrasting it with the liberal attitudes towards alcohol she observed among some peers. Unlike those who enjoyed casual sips of wine, her own family held a more conservative view, especially during the Clinton era when her parents were concerned about societal morals. This background led her to drink skim milk at dinner, a habit that continued throughout her teenage years.

As Kaling transitioned into adulthood and began her career as a story editor at The Office, her experiences with alcohol and social gatherings evolved. Her narrative highlights the juxtaposition between her strict upbringing and the more relaxed attitudes towards drinking she later encountered, illustrating how personal backgrounds shape one's relationship with alcohol and social norms.