If I don't drink, will everyone assume I'm pregnant?

[NutSmeg]

One of the women in my book group is getting married next month. Next week, book group is going out for a meal for it.

Book group meets in the pub on a weekday night. Non-drinking is the norm.
I only drink at book group when its our Christmas meeting.

We went out for a meal in January and I drank alcohol there.

What I mean is - book group knows I'm not tee-total.

If I don't drink next week, will everyone assume I'm pregnant? I'm 37.

Thanks. You're right that I'm over-thinking it but it happened to me a couple of times last year - I wasn't drinking at social events and got asked if I was pregnant. I wonder if people just think I'm a massive pisshead so can't comprehend that I wouldn't be out socially without drinking.

I suggest you don't drink but eat a rare steak, sushi and loads of blue cheese followed by five coffees. You'll probably feel pretty full and uncomfortable and won't be able to sleep but it should answer any questions.

Well then, if they DO say 'are you pregnant?' just say no.

If you're not in recovery or any other reason that would mean you can't drink a drop - take a glass of bubbly at the reception. Carry it around, take a few sips and then move to soft drinks. If anyone comments, just say you don't really drink these days, just the odd taste and you've already had the champagne earlier.

I can think of a few reasons why someone might find it upsetting if everyone guessed they were pregnant when they weren't/

Christ on a bike, I can feel an epic bout of the galloping shits coming on just reading that.

Can you not use the actual reason why you aren't drinking?

It's not a wedding, just a meal ahead of her getting married in June.

Why does it matter if people think you are pregnant?

It probably would cross my mind, but I wouldn’t say anything - it’s none of my business.

Just say you don't want to drink alcohol. Which is the truth

What’s the actual reason you’re not drinking? Just tell them the truth if anyone even notices?

Exactly. It really is that simple. OP has already stated she is overthinking it though, but yeah, most people won't care, really....... 😕And if anyone says 'are you pregnant?' just say no.

Just announce "I'm not pregnant before anyone asks, just not drinking this evening"

No one bats an eyelid, unless they are the type who insist that you have a drink (if you don't want one) so as not to emphasise their own intake!

I'm a non drinker, but I do like a tonic water with ice and a slice in a gin glass just because it looks nice and isn't as boring as a lime and soda in a straight glass. Yes I like how drinks are presented even though I've never had alcohol!

No, I'm not pregnant.

Does it really matter if people think it? I was once on the antibiotics that you actually cannot drink on, but of course it's such a cliche excuse (and almost all other antibiotics you can drink on) that no one really believed me when I said "I'm not drinking because of the antibiotics I'm on".
But it didn't matter. I wasn't, and if people chose not to believe me, there's nothing I can do about it.

I get the impression this is the assumption of the regulars at our local too. They never try to twist my arm; always readily accept that I don't drink alcohol.

Do you buy your own drinks? If so buy tonic and ask for it in a gin glass. Nobody can tell. If someone offers to buy you a drink say no thank you because you have an early start in the morning to do a hobby with your husband.

If anyone comments on it / asks you - and that's not a give - then just say "I don't fancy it tonight. I quite often don't drink with a meal".
It really isn't that strange - you've even said on this thread that 'on other occasions when I've not been drinking...".

I think things have changed now, not drinking or not drinking so much is thankfully much more common so no need to explain your choice to anyone.

I'd find it really weird if someone gave me a grilling now about not drinking, I don't think it would reflect well on them.

Why aren't you going to have a glass to toast the bride to be if you normally drink on a weekend gathering? Given you're not pregnant I'm baffled by the whole thing.

They won't be thinking about this even a tenth as much as you think they will. Would it bother you if they did?

People are allowed to not drink. It’s dangerous and toxic to suggest one should drink if there isn’t a medical reason not to 🤯

Agree @YaWeeFurryBastard
What a strange comment @LittleMonks11

Could you say that you have an early start on Sunday's morning so you want to get a good nights sleep without the effects of alcohol?