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Hedonist vs Bon Vivant

I like living well and enjoying life. I think of myself as a hedonist but I rarely call myself that because to other people that seems to mean "shortsighted idiot who has zero concept of consequences and is incapable of learning from their mistakes."

Because most people seem to think "hedonist" means "drunkard and drug addict who sleeps around casually and has zero sexual ethics "

Excuse me? I like my fun without regrets.

Hangovers, STDs, jail time and other ruinous consequences for shortsighted behavior are absolutely not my idea of "fun," thanks.

The expression bon vivant seems to do a better job of conveying what I mean which is that I like eating well, good conversation, nice clothes and similar pleasantries. 

I like living well and bon vivant is French for "person who lives well." (Literally "good liver.")

If you want to communicate effectively, it's pointless to try to insist your audience is wrong about what a word means. Your time is much better spent finding a word or phrase they will interpret as meaning what you hope to convey.

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