How to turn down a drink
What to say the next time you feel pressure to drink.
‘Shots on me, tonight!’ — a phrase that puts a knot in your stomach. You want to celebrate with your friends. But, you are not down for shots. You can always say no to a night out. But, in case you want to wear your favorite fit out — we have a few tools that you can use to turn down a drink but still turn up with your friends.
WHY IT FEELS INTIMIDATING:
Turning down a drink means that your sobriety is out in the open. You are actually vocalizing your commitment to not drinking. No longer are you replacing the alcohol on your bar cart with zero proof alternatives — you are telling the waiter that you’ll take a Diet Coke in place of a glass of wine in front of all your friends.
You might feel some pressure or judgment. You have no idea if they’re going to pressure you to drink or press you with questions about your sobriety. You also don’t know if they’re going to wait and see if you trip up. But, you also don’t know if your openness will make them feel comfortable talking about their own relationship with alcohol.
And It’s okay to not know what the reaction will be, because we have a few direct and indirect responses to keep in your pocket for the next time you have to turn down a drink and you’re not sure what exactly to say.
Photo Courtesy of Death to Stock Photography
WHAT TO SAY:
1. “I brought my own.”
If you already have a decoy drink in hand, then there’s no need to double fist. People are also less likely to hand you a drink if your hands are already full. Planning ahead and having a soda or a non-al R2D will refresh your palette, but spare you the niceties of having to politely (or not-so-politely) turn down a drink.
2. “I would *love* a Diet Coke.”
So, you’re at your old go-to restaurant with your old friends and they’re talking about ordering drinks. But, if you are already fixed on ordering an ice-cold Diet Coke, who are your friends to tell you that you can’t get what you’ve been dying to order. Nothing tastes sweeter than drinking what you love. And nothing tastes sweeter than a refreshing Diet Coke.
3. “I want to stay CLEARHEADED.”
It’s all in the name. Short. To the point. And easy to remember. This reply respects your ‘no.’ It is also honest. Alcohol will fog your brain and you are a busy person. You don’t have time to spend half the day in bed tomorrow and you deserve better than that. Though it might seem risky to be a little more direct, they pay off will protect your energy the next day.
4. “No thanks, I don’t drink.”
This response is the most direct. But, ditching the excuses and letting your sober flag fly gives your friends the opportunity to support your lifestyle change. Being upfront now also means you won’t have to come up with another excuse the next time you go out.
Photo Courtesy of Death to Stock Photography
However you want to say it, making the decision to turn down a drink will always give you the space to drink what you actually want — a Diet Coke. Duh. Or, to know that you respected your boundaries when it comes to the pressure to drink.
