What do you say when asked why you dont drink?
Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 276
Try this one
My friend's husband doesn't drink. I really don't know the reason & never wanted to ask, but one time when we were out in a big group someone asked him why. His stammered something like, oh, I don't much like it. But his wife had a great one- she said enthusiastically "He's high on life!"
I just loved that! Thought it was a great response, especially coming from the spouse.
I mean - geez! Therre are a million reasons not to drink. I dont drink much because it gives me panic attacks. Maybe you are on a diet! Maybe it just doesn't agree with you!
I'd use - it doesn't agree with me and have my husband say she's high on life!
Good luck! Im so glad you stopped drinking. I wish my husband would. He's the love of my life, and i am heartbroken and headed for divorce.
I just loved that! Thought it was a great response, especially coming from the spouse.
I mean - geez! Therre are a million reasons not to drink. I dont drink much because it gives me panic attacks. Maybe you are on a diet! Maybe it just doesn't agree with you!
I'd use - it doesn't agree with me and have my husband say she's high on life!
Good luck! Im so glad you stopped drinking. I wish my husband would. He's the love of my life, and i am heartbroken and headed for divorce.
Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,636
Hi longbeachone -
I read the multi responses differently - not ruffled feathers, but support to help you through a stage that everyone has to go through in our recovery.
Sounds like the key here is to make sure that the client ENJOYS their evening, and to do that you genuinely need to be enjoying your non drinking self first. Are you at the point yet?
Thing is, if you aren't able to enjoy YOUR evening yet without a drink - your client will pick up, not on the not drinking, but on your uncomfortableness. In this case, it's likely counterproductive to attend.
If your comfortable, then non drinking is a non-issue, similar to how your choice of ordering fish or chicken for the main is a non-issue. It's a simple choice, end of story.
If asked (unlikely), try framing your choice to support the goals of the evening - IE that you 'enjoy your food more than a drink' etc. that reinforces the permission to your client to enjoy their choices.
Congrats on getting sober!
I read the multi responses differently - not ruffled feathers, but support to help you through a stage that everyone has to go through in our recovery.
Sounds like the key here is to make sure that the client ENJOYS their evening, and to do that you genuinely need to be enjoying your non drinking self first. Are you at the point yet?
Thing is, if you aren't able to enjoy YOUR evening yet without a drink - your client will pick up, not on the not drinking, but on your uncomfortableness. In this case, it's likely counterproductive to attend.
If your comfortable, then non drinking is a non-issue, similar to how your choice of ordering fish or chicken for the main is a non-issue. It's a simple choice, end of story.
If asked (unlikely), try framing your choice to support the goals of the evening - IE that you 'enjoy your food more than a drink' etc. that reinforces the permission to your client to enjoy their choices.
Congrats on getting sober!
Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: London
Posts: 1,384
Been asked a few times in 19 months sober, not so good with words as some on here , but I have found it quite annoying to be questioned why I do not poison myself , last time I said " you have to drink , I don't " could not help myself.
Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 47
One of the best ones I've heard is "I'm allergic to alcohol, I break out in hand cuffs!"
It can get some smiles and laughs....
Personally I think whatever you decide to do, and feels right to you is all that matters.
There are some great responses here from people with all different times of sobriety, I don't think you ruffled any feathers, just take the responses and accept them.
I know most around here aren't "out to get you" with what they say.
Dave
It can get some smiles and laughs....
Personally I think whatever you decide to do, and feels right to you is all that matters.
There are some great responses here from people with all different times of sobriety, I don't think you ruffled any feathers, just take the responses and accept them.
I know most around here aren't "out to get you" with what they say.
Dave
Guest
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Sydney Australia
Posts: 4,225
Long each, I totally get your predicament. Is it possible to say you had been sick in the past and you have to be careful with your liver? I know it's kind of a fib, but it's kind of not.
My ex mother I law had a strain of hepatitis in her early 20's and rarely, if ever drank. I think I saw her drink 1 glass of wine on 2 occasions. Often, instead of explaining the liver health issue, she would often simply say that it gave her migraines.
My ex mother I law had a strain of hepatitis in her early 20's and rarely, if ever drank. I think I saw her drink 1 glass of wine on 2 occasions. Often, instead of explaining the liver health issue, she would often simply say that it gave her migraines.
Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 9
The good news for me is that in most cases when I say I don't drink people get it and don't press. When I am pressed lightly I say it isn't something I do. If they press further then they in my opinion are disrespectful of my boundaries and I tell them I am alcoholic, sober for 11 years and don't drink. That stops it in my experience
Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Getting to where I want to be
Posts: 502
No criticism from me! I say whatever works, whether that be a white lie - I'm on medication - to saying you're alcoholic if you want. The important thing is you're maintaining your sobriety. Being proud of it does not have to include spouting to the world why you don't drink.
lillyknitting
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Loughton, Essex, England
Posts: 638
Why can't you just sau "I don't like it". I couldn't care less what people think. It's not their business and I've been in dozens of situations with people or individuals that don't drink and never give it a second thought. Some people drink some don't it's not a big deal. Whenever I go out I'm asked what I'd like to drink I say sparkling water & lime no one ever bats an eyelid.
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