Anyone else tired of having to explain to people why you’re not drinking?

[kingdangermouse1]

I’m about to go out for my friends birthday with a group of friends which will be really fun. Starting in the pub to play pool/darts, then bowling, then food, then a night out.

I’ve recently decided to limit my alcohol intake, mainly because I’m tired of spending my money on it, and would rather spend it on other things, but also good for health too.

So today I’ve decided to drive, I’ll have fun at pub/bowling/food and then I’ll probably go home instead of the night out. I also live a bit further out, so I don’t want to go out and then spend loads of money on a taxi on my own.

I just know there’ll be comments though, my friends are all excited to get drunk tonight and to be fair they’re a little younger than me too so it’s all good. But I just know the questions and jokey comments like “oh go onnnn” etc will come. I know they don’t really care but guaranteed every single person will ask why I’m not drinking.

I’m still going to the majority of the day and will have just as much fun, but I’m having to mentally prepare myself and feel like I have to think of an excuse why I’m not drinking. Tempted to say I’m on antibiotics.

Anyone else tired of this too?

Don't say you're on antibiotics unless you want them to think you are pregnant. Tell them the truth.

No because my friends don’t really take much notice tbh, if you say you’re on antibiotics they’ll assume you’re pregnant.

Do you announce you’re not drinking? I tend to find people don’t take as much notice as you’d think - if you get a lemonade/coke they just assume it has vodka or something in it.

Hahaha that’s a fair point.
It’s more of a rant really, I always feel I have to make excuses because when I greet each person they will ask why I’m not drinking and it’s just annoying! 😂

And I’ll have to because I’ll be driving in between venues

How does each person you greet know you’re not drinking? Genuine question! Just don’t mention it.

Tell them you've got a rare medical condition and if you drink alcohol you'll explode.

I find fuck off very effective

In the last couple of years, alcohol has started to give me migraines. That’s a pretty easy, boring way to shut down those conversations when people ask.

I just say I don’t drink alcohol.

I'm driving is a simple answer.

Mind you, if someone is repeatedly questioning non-drinking, are they really worth being friends with?

I used to but I’m over it now. No point in lying, otherwise the next time you go out they will keep on doing the same thing. Just say you don’t want to drink - and if they can’t respect that then they aren’t good friends!

I never understand these threads. You just say you dont want to. What is there to explain? Same as if someone asks why you aren't eating apple pie? How do people let it become such a big issue in your head. Dont drink if you dont want to. Tell people you dont want to if they ask. Job done

'I don't feel like it today' should be all the explanation you have to give. FFS.

I don’t drink. And when people comment on how weird it is etc etc. ( which I find really rude by the way and nosy , like kind ur own business ) I tell them why. I have a bad bladder so only drink water. So i start to explain that to them in detail.

They soon get embarrassed it serves them right. I would never ask anyone why they are not drinking.

Jesus, sorry. Was just starting a conversational thread didn’t realise I’d offended you all 🥴

I tell them I haven't drunk since COVID which put me off the taste.

Are you old enough for I’m pregnant to be funny?

Totally agree.

Just tell people you’re cutting down on alcohol because it’s massively bad for you. What do you think they’re going to do, hold you down and pour neat vodka down your throat until you change your mind?

You’re vastly overestimating the shiny shites people will give about what you’re drinking.

Do people really think 'I'm taking antibiotics' equals 'I'm pregnant'?
I don't drink and people do like to make a big deal out of it, I smile and nod and carry on drinking lemonade.

Some people do actually ask questions and they do go on about it, I've had first hand experience of this and seen others questioned so I don't know why people are being dismissive of the ops concerns.
The UK has a proper fucked up relationship with alcohol and there is an expectation in some situations for some one to get totally shitfaced to be able to have a good time.

Yes! Absolutely, you may as well wear a sign saying ‘I’m pregnant’.

OP I know exactly what you mean, it’s not the same as the Apple pie example earlier in the thread. If you’re someone that normally drinks and every else is drinking, you get so many comments ‘go on, have one and see how you feel!’ ‘Do you have to drive? You could get a taxi’ ‘you only live once’ ‘enjoy yourself!’

It is a bit grating when you’re trying to cut down, and worse as a woman I think as everyone just assumes you’re pregnant.

I've never drunk alcohol and maybe I'm simply lucky, but nobody harasses me about it nowadays. It was different when I was late teens/early 20s and at university where the drinking culture was endemic, but none of my actual friends would be so rude as to harangue me about something which doesn't affect them at all.

Just say you don't want to drink because you're driving, you don't want to spend the money, and more importantly you don't feel like getting drunk or having a hangover.

Why on earth do you feel the need to offer any explanation at all for avoiding alcohol? Nobody in my social circle would even think of explaining (or questioning ) not drinking. We know so many of each others reasons they are neither unusual or worthy of comment.

( driving, on duty, on call, on diet, medication, religious avoidance, health issues, alcoholic rehab).

I'm a recovering alcoholic and haven't drank in nearly 6 years. At first I thought everyone noticed and then I realised it was actually me making it noticeable. No one cares. If anyone ever does say anything these days I simply say "I don't drink alcohol". Convo ends there OR they may take a genuine interest and we may get talking about deeper issues to do with drinking which I don't mind. Many people are finding that their relationship with alcohol is unhealthy these days and wanting to do something about it but not quite sure how so I don't mind talking about it.

The people who try to persuade you to drink usually have a drink problem themselves and being round a non drinker makes them feel bad about themselves or makes them think they won't have fun with you if you're sober so they want you to drink as much as them.

Tell them youre driving as youve an early start tomorrow