Not sure whether to drink alcohol with colleague?

[Feeltherainonyourskin]

So I've been asked for a coffee by a male colleague who I have a crush on.
We arranged it, chatted a bit etc. and a couple of days later I joked that I'd need a stiff drink after the stress of work this week.
He eventually replied saying, well I know a cool bar called X in the city centre we could go to.
Not sure what his intentions are but I'm going in with no expectations.
The thing is I'm really not a drinker at all, it's been a very long time. He isn't either but part of me is tempted to have a couple of alcoholic drinks with him as it'll loosen me up, I can be quite shy and reserved and even though it's a shame I'd need to resort to this, the drink will likely make me more flirty and open and maybe him too.
However I am scared of making a fool of myself. Working together isn't really an issue as we're in a massive organisation, we don't work in the same department anymore and I rarely see him in work as it is.
Not sure whether to do it or not?

I'd have something like a spritzer if I wasn't a big drinker.

Don’t overthink it! It’s pretty common place to have a drink or two on a date. The reason being - it lowers your inhibitions a bit and oils the conversation.
You’re hardly going to an all night drink and drug fuelled rave.

Youre not going to embarrass yourself or get plastered if you stick to a couple of small wines or a beer or something.

Anxiety can be a so difficult but please don’t let it stop you meeting up with this guy. He obviously likes you and wants to spend time with you. No need to think any further than that. It’ll be great fun I’m sure.

Just have a plan (train times or cab number) so you can leave whenever you want.

Hope you have a great time x

You 100% moved it from a coffee to "drinks", through your "could do with a stiff drink" comment, and in doing so confirmed it as a date. Own it 😃
One option is to have one alcoholic drink at the start to reduce nerves and then stick to mocktails (perhaps one later but then no more). Good luck on your date.

And that sounds exactly the type of place people go to for first dates.

Thank you so much 🥰

Sounds really bad but I'm assuming this is serious and not sarcasm? 🤣

He's taken your lead. You said about a 'stiff drink' so he is trying to meet that request.

I would be clear to him that you do not really drink. He may not wish to go to a bar either.

When he suggested a bar at first I told him I wasn't sure about drinking and that I'd have a think about it, but in the end I thought, what the hell.

The drinks are quite expensive :/ good reason to not have many!

He may have not taken it so, best be clear. If he loves a few bevvies, you need to know that at the outset.

Sounds like a date to me!

Regarding alcohol - your tolerance will be low so if you do decide to have one, drink it slowly with lots of water. Then only you know if you’re the type of person who has an off switch and can stick at 1/2 drinks. Once you’ve had a few it can be harder to stop!

Do people on here go drinking alone with platonic single male friends?
Thank you for your advice I appreciate you all :)
The eye watering prices will ensure I only stick to one or two 🤣

It’ll be fine. It sounds like you’ve been out with him socially in a group, you know him quite well and he’s not a drinker either.

If it helps your nerves, remind yourself that he’s probably feeling apprehensive too

Thank you, honestly I'd say we've spoken a lot more online than in person. Spoken in person a few times but haven't seen him in several weeks sadly.
He definitely seemed a bit shy last time.

If you're not a drinker and you like him and want to make a good impression, just get one white wine and a bottle of sparkling water and top up the wine as you go (but make sure to offer to buy him one back if he buys the first round!). Also - and I can't stress this enough - make sure you've eaten something beforehand even if you feel too nervous!! Ask me how I know

The general consensus seems to be to drink just one, two at an absolute maximum, and I think that's sensible advice 😁

And have something solid in your tummy!