Avoiding drinking during the holidays?

RedheadedPrincess14
RedheadedPrincess14 Posts: 415 Member
edited November 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
I've come to the conclusion that alcohol has a big impact on /all/ of my goals (not just health wise). I'm not the kind of person that can have just one. I decided that twice a year is fine, however, my family drinks a lot and they will be with me for Easter. I don't want to offend them but I just can't make every holiday an excuse to drink. They think that simply because it's Friday, drinking is okay. For some people, yes. For me, no. They can't understand this and are very pushy with alcohol. I would like a peaceful Easter that doesn't involve me having to have a glass of wine just because it's a family tradition. Is there anyway I can avoid this other than not having them over at all? I'm very concerned... q

Replies

  • clicketykeys
    clicketykeys Posts: 6,603 Member
    Try to pay attention to whether it's individuals repeatedly offering, or whether it just FEELS that way because it's a lot of different people each offering once. If it's the latter, just smile and say "no thank you." If it's the former, tell them once graciously, and then if they ignore the polite request, shut them down hard.

    "Haven't you ever heard that 'no means no,' Cousin Eddie?"

    "Aunt Marjorie, people who care about each other listen to each other. I know I already answered clearly. I would hate to think that you don't care about me enough to listen."

    And consider this an opportunity to find out who you can feel comfortable inviting over next time! Good luck :)
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    For me it's easy to just say no because I really don't want it.

    If you actually do, well, yeah, I would probably get annoyed fast, and let them know if they keep asking.
  • Iamnotasenior
    Iamnotasenior Posts: 235 Member
    I have also recently come to the conclusion that I am one of those people without an "off switch" when it comes to drinking. The problem is, I sometimes hang out with people who do enjoy drinking. Some of them are understanding and some are not and want to ask why. So I arm myself with a Diet Tonic Water with a twist and a cherry so it looks like a mixed drink. If they want to follow me around, watch what I am drinking and investigate further, I simply say "I don't feel like drinking today, why do you ask?" If they persist, I'll simply repeat that I don't care for anything to drink and then quickly change the subject. I've found that most people who are bothered by a non-drinker have their own issues with alcohol. If you still feel pressure to drink with them, then limit your exposure to them. Have a pre-planned excuse to leave early or make an excuse not to go at all. Your peace of mind, sobriety and good health are way more important than spending time with people who are actively trying to disrupt that even if it's not malicious and only ignorance.
  • inertiastrength
    inertiastrength Posts: 2,343 Member
    I don't care for alcohol either and when I do drink once or twice a year I usually binge drink. I have no desire to work in 500 calories of wine on the weekend or a glass here and there. Just don't drink it, politely decline
  • RedheadedPrincess14
    RedheadedPrincess14 Posts: 415 Member
    Thank you guys all so much! I'm going to use at @iamnotasenior tonic water trick. I think that will work. I guess I'm going to hope for the best. My friends aren't like this but my family is just really weird with drinking and it's starting to become a big problem to be around them. Ideally, I would cut ties but both of my parents are very sick and I just wouldn't feel right doing that after everything that they've done for me
  • inertiastrength
    inertiastrength Posts: 2,343 Member
    edited April 2017
    Another option is to say you're trying to conceive and you don't want to unknowingly risk a potential child. I mean that's extreme but if they're really kittens about it
  • annacole94
    annacole94 Posts: 994 Member
    Tell them you're pregnant.

    And then after they finish having a heart attack, tell them you've just decided to quit drinking for a while.
  • Lounmoun
    Lounmoun Posts: 8,423 Member
    Just say "no, I don't want that I prefer to drink this today." repeatedly.
    I don't drink alcohol very often and people don't really care once they wrap their heads around the idea that we can do different things. You have to keep saying no though.
  • Heather4448
    Heather4448 Posts: 908 Member
    annacole94 wrote: »
    Tell them you're pregnant.

    And then after they finish having a heart attack, tell them you've just decided to quit drinking for a while.

    Hahaha! You are evil!
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