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When going out with friends, they may have expectations for you to drink. Most of us think we got over our days of peer pressure in middle school, but pressure from adults occurs too. Friends may coax you into drinking by offering to buy or saying you’ve lost a step or too. It can be awkward to say no and difficult to stick to that answer. So, you’re never too old to become comfortable with refusing drinks. 

How to Go About Refusing Drinks 

Avoid the Pressure

When possible, the best tactic for refusing drinks may just be to avoid the pressure. If you know a certain friend or group will try to pressure you into drinking, it may be best not to go. We all have pushy friends, but if someone truly doesn’t accept your decision, it’s probably best not to be around them. Whether you aren’t drinking for health or personal reasons, a good friend will learn to respect that answer. Those that can’t accept that, may not be your good friends. 

Practice Your No

An important part of refusing drinks is knowing how you’re going to do it. If you don’t have an idea in mind, you may not be ready to say no. In addition, you may not be able to be as direct. Therefore, you want to have an idea about how you are going to refuse a drink. First, don’t hesitate—be ready to give your answer. Next, try making eye contact with your friend so they can see that you are serious. In addition, it’s best to keep your answer short and clear.

Offer to Drive

If you worry about facing pressure to drink, you may want too ffer to drive. If friends understand that you are driving, they’ll be more understanding towards you not drinking. No one should expect you to drink since you are agreeing to drive. In that case, you won’t have to worry about refusing drinks.

In short, refusing drinks can be uncomfortable and hard to do. However, you don’t want to find yourself pressured into drinking. So, be sure to have your mind made up and know what to say, and how to say it. Then, make sure you’re surrounding yourself with people that will respect your decision.