I used to work in a job which involved quite a lot of after hours socialising. My boss and her husband were generous with the drinks to the point of over the top. He would ask me what I’m drinking, I’d say “thanks but no thanks” to anither round, but he’d then just buy me whatever he fancied and plonk it down in front of me. As the evening wore on I’d sometimes end up with a line of three or four drinks in front of me!! It wasn’t just me, he would do it for everyone (they weren’t short of cash!) so I couldn’t even give them away. If ever I didn’t drink up I was looked upon as an ungrateful holier than though killjoy. Being young and keen to get along with the boss and earn myself a permanent contract, I usually obliged, downing them and later throwing up in the loo.
Eventually I left that job, and it was a relief to get away from the power politics involved. This summer though I know that I am going to be at three events (one work-related, a 50th birthday and a wedding) where my boss and her husband are sure to be there! It’s silly as it’s years since I last saw them but I am all anxious about what to do if he does the drink-buying again! I know I will be put to sit by them. I know it might not happen now the context is different, but I am unreasonably anxious about it and would like some ideas of how to get the message across that no drinks means no drinks (I’m not tee total, I just can’t stomach as much alcohol as they can!) and how do I handle things if he ignores me and buys me some anyway, (without being rude?!)