FTFM, thanks for your post. I guess that AV looks for any opportunity to try to get these thoughts in our heads. I too never thought about the pushy people...of which I know plenty. Have you thought about taking something to either event that you can drink and share so that you always have something readily available? Maybe that's not an issue for you, but it would be for me, so rather than always have to find something I want to drink, I'm working on developing non-alcoholic drinks I can take to parties or gatherings to share and to have available to me.
As far as saying something to your friend, silence is just as good as anything.
I hope the weekend goes well for you and Happy Mother's Day a bit early! I'll be thinking of you!