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Original poster

How do you socialise without alcohol

56 replies

collann · 22/08/2024 17:51

Hi
I've just come out of a relationship with an alcoholic. I've never been a big drinker myself twice a year if that but being with him had totally put me off it.

My friends want me to go out with them on the nights I'm child free which I'd like to do but I'll feel awkward not having an alcoholic drink and will people think I'm boring?

Have any of you guys done/do it?
I'd love to hear how you cope or how you socialise if you're not into alcohol x

OP posts:
Opentooffers · 22/08/2024 23:51

Just use driving as a reason, your mates will love you volunteering- they can buy your drinks in kind too, so a cheap night out for you.

Meadowwild · 23/08/2024 09:54

ElleintheWoods · 22/08/2024 22:29

I’ve hardly ever found myself in situations where drinking alcohol would be expected - and I go to pubs/ socialise a lot.

People drive and I’d say nowadays it’s unusual to pressure anyone to drink unless it’s a 50+ crowd.

At a party I usually have mocktails or alcohol free fizz, they’re readily available. If you’re friends with people that don’t tolerate non-drinkers then they look like the real thing too.

It's weird how hard it is. I spent the day with two old friends and said I wasn't drinking. They didn't bat an eyelid, just gave me soft drinks. But i couldn't quite shake off the feeling that I wasn't joining in properly. All in my own mind. They never mentioned it once.

ElleintheWoods · 23/08/2024 21:46

Meadowwild · 23/08/2024 09:54

It's weird how hard it is. I spent the day with two old friends and said I wasn't drinking. They didn't bat an eyelid, just gave me soft drinks. But i couldn't quite shake off the feeling that I wasn't joining in properly. All in my own mind. They never mentioned it once.

Show quote history

Were you previously used to drinking at social occasions, and something changed?

I was never much of a social drinker, the odd drink aside when I felt like it, so I've never found it too difficult, unless there's been people pressuring me (say 10-20 years ago when that was the done thing). But I'm also a bit of a IDGAF person so... 😁

Meadowwild · 23/08/2024 22:53

ElleintheWoods · 23/08/2024 21:46

Were you previously used to drinking at social occasions, and something changed?

I was never much of a social drinker, the odd drink aside when I felt like it, so I've never found it too difficult, unless there's been people pressuring me (say 10-20 years ago when that was the done thing). But I'm also a bit of a IDGAF person so... 😁

Show quote history

Yes, I've always had alcohol socially and I just don't enjoy it as much any more. I especially hate getting drunk.

WtP · 23/08/2024 22:54

Having now worked in the hospitality industry for the last year, I don't think anyone really cares what your drinking. If your friends are the sort to give you grief about no alcohol then find better friends.
We sell more Guinness Zero than regular Guinness these days as TBH no one can really tell the difference once they have had a few.

ThaTrìCaitAgam · 23/08/2024 22:59

If you need alcohol to have a good time with mates, you need other friends. Same when they want you to drink alcohol.

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