Q: You're cutting back on calories, expecting a baby or just don't have a taste for alcohol, but your friends insist you have a drink with them. How can you gracefully decline?
Go to the event with someone who knows why you aren't drinking. Grab a sparkling water and a lime _ that way it's difficult for people to know you aren't drinking.
If you walk into a bar and don't have a drink in hand, privately order a mocktail. Giving the bartender a heads-up about your intentions can go a long way.
When a friend presents you with alcohol, simply say, "No, thank you" with firmness. And if your friend persists, say, "I'd appreciate it if you'd respect my choice."
A firm no works most of the time, but present a popular excuse if need be.
For example, "I can't drink because I'm the designated driver" or "I have so much work to do, so I need to wake up early."
Repeat this as needed _ it's called the broken record approach.
_ George F. Koob, Ph.D., director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Don't make a big deal of it; people don't need a huge explanation.
Have a couple of defenses at the ready, and use them when applicable.
For example, "I just finished working out, so I'm going to start with a water."
Or, "My stomach just started hurting, so I need something fizzy, like a Sprite."
If he or she keeps pushing, push it back by saying, "You know, you don't have to drink all the time."
_ Alpana Singh, restaurateur and master sommelier
