Upset people because you DONT drink alcohol

I just say I'm an alcoholic. Everyone pretty much shuts up. But, my friends know that about me (problem with alcohol) and respect my decision to not drink.

I guess since they are friends, they probably know you're not an alcoholic. I think they just want you to join in the fun. It's like if everyone is playing a game, and you're just sitting watching. They want you to play too. That's all.

One thing a teacher from a long time ago told me he used to do, and I think this is brilliant, he would order a beer in a dark bottle, then immediately take it into the bathroom, pour it out and fill it with water. Then, everyone would think he's drinking. He would just sip on it so he didn't have to keep wasting money, but, it solved the problem of everyone asking him to join them for a drink. You can try that sometime. Although, in some ways, I disagree with that, in another way, it's an easier way to avoid the conflict. Especially for business meetings, if they are important. It could be a good way to stay "in". Or, you could move away from your friends, go to the end of the bar or something, and order soda water with a lime. Then, you can just say its vodka and soda.

But, the alcoholic thing works wonders. No one will mess with you after that.

This.

The guys I hang out with drink a lot of IPA beers which are extremely HEAVY. If I do have a beer or two, it's the real light variety and just deal with the abuse lol.

I have gotten "oh, your no fun now that you don't drink anymore". True, I went from the girl dancing on a table to a girl who would rather be on the beach with a good book. But, I don't critique their choices. I have lost some good friends over it. Even the old friends i still have in my life I am bearly holding on to with finger tips.

My Dad, the smartest guy I know, sez that changing to good health is like quitting any addiction. You tend to not spend time with the people you were addicted with. Great words.

I get this too. I've started to resort to saying really loudly "I'm a recovering alcoholic" shuts them up and gives me a little giggle in the process.

I think this is the winning answer. Great comeback.

I don't have this problem. Everyone in my life seems pretty happy that I'm not drinking. (I get mouthy) haha

I've stopped even caring about peoples opinions when it comes to this.
Oh you're upset because I don't want to get *kitten* faced and feel like crap the next morning???
oh well. haha

I understand how you feel. In my opinion I do not like to drink. If they want you to drink soo much they should pay for it (and just to set your point straight get some expensive stuff.)

black sheep don't get slaughtered at night. think about it.

If someone were slaughtering sheep at night, why wouldn't they use a light?

People react like that when you say you dont drink or arent drinking because it makes them question their own lifestyle choices, and people dont like to be made to look at the unhealthy choices they make.

Just like if they get a huge greasy burger, fries & a milkshake while you pick a healthier option like grilled chicken with salad. You will get the "eating rabbit food" comments.

My friends have come to accept my choice to be tee total apart from the odd occassion. None of them judge me, and I am a cheap taxi service when I do go out. Those who did judge me, are no longer in my circle of friends, as theyre still out drinking themselves into a stupor every weekend. Whilst I am enjoying my healthier lifestyle choices :-)

I find the only people who get upset or give a reaction are those who are jealous of my determination. I choose to ignore them.

Only drunks gets upset at non-drinkers. That can't stand to see people that can choose not to drink.
I know this well. Sober approaching 30 years now. But back in my youth I could not understand the non-drinker/choice drinker.
For a drunk, drinking is the central activity, not the bowling, or fishing, or watching sports with friends. I used to say that drinking made doing nothing seem like doing something.
Of course, the best part of being sober among a group of drunk friends is being to recall and remind them of every stupid think they did the night before. :bigsmile:

I get this too. I've started to resort to saying really loudly "I'm a recovering alcoholic" shuts them up and gives me a little giggle in the process.

HA! Love it. Will have to try that one time.

Really cause when I say "I'm a recovering alcoholic" they say "you have self control right, i'm sure you could have just one or two." If it's chicks I like to say "because if I drink by the end of the night none of us will be friends and I'll be getting a divorce because I'll have made out if not more with each and everyone of your significant others!" That generally shuts them up and makes them feel REAL ackward.

If i'm in the "get laughs" mood I go for "I'm allergic to alcohol.....break out in hand cuffs."

It amuses me that a life of excesses has become the norm. I imagine you have gotten similar comments about trying to lose weight "You could totally eat a burger you've lost x amount of weight," "you don't need to lose anymore weight." Our society is bass ackwards to where excess is the norm and moderation is uncommon. And God forbid if you chose to turn away from excessive, eating, drinking, drug use and so forth, then the other people who really enjoy unhealthy behaviors throw a fit.

While I agree that it's better to be honest about the fact you're not drinking, I also totally get that sometimes you don't want to deal with the hassling that comes with carrying around something that's clearly not alcohol. The beer bottle trick is a good one, but here's one that won't cost you anything beyond maybe a tip for the bartender - ask for club soda and lime in a short glass with a stir stick. Tell everyone it's gin and tonic. I'll have a REAL gin and tonic as my only drink of the night, and then the rest of the night will carry around a club soda with lime.

People think I'm still boozing it up with them, but my head is clear, I don't get hassled about "why aren't you drinking?", and I can drive everyone home if I need to. I usually confide my plan with the bartender, and tip well, so the "fake" drinks keep coming. Also, if people start suggesting shots, I can counter with "I'm already woozy, no shots for me, thanks!"

Sneaky, but it works, and doesn't bring down the buzz of the partiers around you.

i dont drink, but have no problem with other people drinking.

to shut people up i often say i'm pregnant (this to people who dont know me) or use the line someone mentioned above ' i used to be an alcoholic!"

it works :laugh: :laugh:

I just say I'm an alcoholic. Everyone pretty much shuts up. But, my friends know that about me (problem with alcohol) and respect my decision to not drink.

I guess since they are friends, they probably know you're not an alcoholic. I think they just want you to join in the fun. It's like if everyone is playing a game, and you're just sitting watching. They want you to play too. That's all.

One thing a teacher from a long time ago told me he used to do, and I think this is brilliant, he would order a beer in a dark bottle, then immediately take it into the bathroom, pour it out and fill it with water. Then, everyone would think he's drinking. He would just sip on it so he didn't have to keep wasting money, but, it solved the problem of everyone asking him to join them for a drink. You can try that sometime. Although, in some ways, I disagree with that, in another way, it's an easier way to avoid the conflict. Especially for business meetings, if they are important. It could be a good way to stay "in". Or, you could move away from your friends, go to the end of the bar or something, and order soda water with a lime. Then, you can just say its vodka and soda.

But, the alcoholic thing works wonders. No one will mess with you after that.

why would you say you're an alcoholic? if your not really an alcoholic? this only creates problems because if they see you drinking some where down the line then they start talking about you.

besides the fact that alcoholism is a real problem, take from me I'm a alcoholic and I've been sober 6 years

the best advice is just tell them no thanks and if they have a problem with it then it's there problem

I guess you missed the part where I said I am.