48heath

No is a complete sentence for me,I never make an excuse about not drinking.

If you are really concerned don't attend the event.

lostyouth

I don't want to bring any more guilt and shame onto myself and my loved ones.

Subtle enough?

lillyknitting

100% agree

Jack465

It's over. I didn't drink. Thanks for all the responses.

Jamie1

I think we should remember that drinks always do harmful thinks with us. It kill us day by day. There is no good things of drinks. We should remember it all the time. By remembering this, I hope everybody can give a super excuse to don't drinks.

SoberCAH

We're very glad you're here, amigo.

shauninspain

You could just say you're on a health kick and have decided not to allow one drop of alcohol to pass your lips for a month. A personal challenge.

Gonnachange

Jack, I don't have much to add beyond what others have written, but look at the macro picture. YOU don't want to drink. Why should you care what this other person wants? Would you shoot heroin into your veins because he wants you to? You would go over Niagara Falls in barrel because he wants you to? No and no. Be as polite or as aggressive as you want, but this person doesn't have the power to make decisions for you and if he doesn't care what you think about this or any other subject then he's really not a friend.

I'm no longer drinking is all you have to say.

Jamie1

I think we should remember that drinks always do harmful thinks with us. It kill us day by day. There is no good things of drinks. We should remember it all the time. By remembering this, I hope everybody can give a super excuse to don't drinks.

Berrybean

I sometimes find that my best defense in social situations isn't so much thinking up answers to questions that others may or may not ask me, but instead:-
Thinking of some questions to ask others (a change of subject is often a good way to deflect attention from That Question.)
Remind myself of all the reasons I quit (all those dark secret and shameful ones) and play the tape forward regarding what is likely to happen if I do decide to drink.
Get myself some secure exit strategies in place for the eventually that I need a break from the situation.

It may well be that you cannot shut him up. That's okay. His attitude won't reflect on you. It's nothing to do with you. Some people just behave like idiots at times. Sometimes dive to intent, other times due to ignorance. Let him bleat on if he wants to. There must be other people you can remove yourself and go chat to.

PS. If there are tables and seating involved, see if you can arrange to NOT be near that person.