Can I offer you a drink?

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What do you tell people about not drinking? Why is there fear and hesitation around telling people?

We may be fearful or hesitant to tell people that we quit drinking or are taking a break from drinking because of what they may think or extrapolate from our words.

One of my client's during our group Connection Hour had a story about telling her coworker she quit drinking. She said her co-worker responded by saying, “well, you make it seem like you had a problem or something”.

We may be afraid of what this does to our employment or potential advances or promotions.

What if we decide to drink again tomorrow? What will our friends think? Will we be letting anyone down?

What if we lose friends?

What if no one wants to hang out with us anymore?

The reason for worry or hesitation is dependent on the audience, and so is what you will say to people.

Remember-You don’t need to tell anyone anything.

This is your journey and you need to protect yourself.

The responses we receive when we tell people we aren't drinking right now can catch us off guard, and make us doubt our decision.

Prepare what you plan to say before entering a scenario where alcohol is involved, so you can quickly answer the question and move on.

If you plan on avoiding the conversation all together, and you’re at a dinner or party, order a mocktail at the bar and when the server comes back around you can ask for the same drink.

If you are at a party, bring a bottle of Kombucha or some other beverage in your bag, and pour it in the host’s glassware from the party. Or have a beer koozie around a can of sparkling water.

Have your exit strategy and B-line it out of there when you feel uncomfortable.

Here are some ideas of things you can say when out and about. These are all technically true statements!

  • I’m trying to lose weight

  • I’m on a 30 day cleanse

  • I’m saving money

  • I’m getting up early to... __________ (exercise, work, etc)

  • Alcohol is no longer serving me (my favorite!)

Bottom line is, just as friends and acquaintances do not know you story, you may not know their whole story either. You may think they have it all together or can “moderate” their drinking, but you don’t know if they grab a “6er” on the way home or have 2 glasses of wine before meeting up for dinner.

I find the people who are most curious are the ones like you and me!

One day you may even feel strong, sexy, and powerful by saying you are sober, because, well, you’re kinda the biggest bad ass around.

Remember! You never know who you will inspire!