Avoiding doing rounds, how to not look stingy?

[klouda]

I'm going out for drinks tonight with ex work colleagues.

I don't drink alcohol and had three hot chocolates last time costing £9 total, yet still ended up paying £60+ for my round.

I just feel sick in the pit of my stomach paying this money. I have savings but a very low income. They are all on £30k plus, I am on considerably lower.

I just don't know how to opt out without looking incredibly stingy.

Everyone is generous and it is all done so casually. It goes round in a circle and it ends up on me.

I do really want to go out. I have been feeling down recently and this will cheer me up.

I’d refuse to pay that much so just say I’m not drinking so will buy my own drinks.

Just literally say, count me out thanks as I can’t drink.

Christ. Why you all giving so much detail?

"No thanks, I'm ok"

Or a polite wave of no thank you 🤷🏽‍♀️

"Just literally say, count me out thanks as I can’t drink."

Or just "literally" say no thanks. No explanation needed

"Breezily Lift your glass, show you mean it, you already have a glass and don't accept a drink."

Wtf?! Just say "I'm ok, thanks" no need for breezily wafting glasses about. Ffs