Peer pressure

dedflwrs
dedflwrs Posts: 251 Member
in Motivation and Support
I have been really good about not succumbing but a recent post about alcohol made me think: Why do people do this stuff?

Saturday I went to a potluck lunch. I know the hostess loves her wine so I brought a couple of bottle with me. I'm allergic so I don't drink it. Also, I don't drink that much to begin with and when I do is usually with dinner. Sure enough everyone drinking. People kept offering me wine and I kept declining and telling everyone about my allergy and my drinking habits (or lack of them thereof). Wouldn't you know that the hostess' sister actually shows up with a giant margarita and says she made it just for me? I said I was touched she went through such trouble but that I was not drinking. Then she proceeded to try to convince me for no less than 15 minutes. Sheesh... It's a good thing I'm not a recovering alcoholic (and for all she knew I might be) because I would have certainly fallen off the wagon.

Why do people feel the need to shove drinks or food in your face? Have you ever done that to someone? I don't think I have but I will certainly make sure I never do.

Replies

  • greenstar25
    greenstar25 Posts: 45 Member
    Same thing happens to me when I am invited at my neighbor's place. We have known each other for 12 years now, and I've been telling them since the beginning that I am not into alcohol because I just don't like it. And yet, every time I go over there they try to force it on me, and every time I say no thank you. You can tell that it upsets them, I have no idea why....
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    It's weird and annoying, right? I've found that the most effective way to handle it is to look the person in the eye and plainly say " I said NO." Yes, they likely think I'm a witch for it but I've never had a person keep pushing after that.
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    It's annoying for sure, but I guess it doesn't bother me that much because I really don't care about alcohol, so it's easy for me to say no (even 10 times, lol).

    It's more annoying if they're offering something I love but I'm trying to practice moderation.
  • dedflwrs
    dedflwrs Posts: 251 Member
    It's annoying for sure, but I guess it doesn't bother me that much because I really don't care about alcohol, so it's easy for me to say no (even 10 times, lol).

    It's more annoying if they're offering something I love but I'm trying to practice moderation.

    It's easy for me to say no as well. I just find it annoying to have to say it again and again and to have people actually preparing drinks for me when I don't want them nor am I going to drink them.

    While I was on vacation I ordered a drink one day and after I left the restaurant I realized that I forgot to drink it so, yeah, it is not a big deal to not have it :laugh:
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    I tend to run into food pushers more than drink pushers for some reason.
  • dedflwrs
    dedflwrs Posts: 251 Member
    I tend to run into food pushers more than drink pushers for some reason.

    Yeah, they are equally annoying. I always tell my son not to tell people when he's on a diet because that's when people start pushing food. "Oh, just this once won't kill you" and stuff like that. My recommendation is to just say "If I eat any more I'll puke". That usually stops them.
  • Unknown
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  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,988 Member
    It happens because people think others are just like them. Just be polite and turn it away.

    A.C.E. Certified Group Fitness and Personal Trainer
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    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • BuddhaMom74
    BuddhaMom74 Posts: 147
    I seriously cannot stand drunks. No use. I rarely (maybe once every few years) consume alcohol. What I have found over the years, is that the alcohol pushers have a serious alcohol problem and their guilt and shame is reduced when others are consuming. Suggest AA to them. Seriously.
  • Joannah700
    Joannah700 Posts: 2,665 Member
    I've worked at places that when you go out, it's sociable to drink, if you don't than it appears as if you do not want to' join in'.

    I personally don't like to drink at work events other than a glass of wine, because I need to make sure my filter is up.

    I typically would order a sparkling water with lime, which looks like a gin and tonic. Reduced any pressure.

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