We will often find ourselves in situations where alcohol is flowing freely. If you have chosen an alcohol free lifestyle, turning down alcohol shouldn’t, but can, feel a little awkward.
A few pre-planned excuses can help you navigate a way through these moments.
You can of course be open and honest about why you aren’t drinking, but you shouldn’t feel obligated to do so. Here are a few of the best ready made excuses for you to choose from:
I’m Driving
Everyone understands that drinking and driving don’t mix, this will not only be a perfect reason for you to refuse a drink also your friends will be delighted if you offer to be the designated driver, allowing you to enjoy the evening without further pressure to drink alcohol.
I want to keep a clear head
Someone that drinks will well understand that alcohol fogs the mind, they shouldn’t question you further. Whilst you may think people are wondering about your drinking habits, in reality they are not paying attention to if you are drinking or not.
I’m on medication
Most prescription medications state they should not be taken with alcohol, this is generally accepted and this excuse will end any pressure to get you to drink alcohol. Most people will be too polite to ask further about your state of health so no one will challenge you further.
I’m too busy to be hungover tomorrow
Everyone knows your performance will be impaired in the morning after a night’s drinking, this simple excuse will close down any further badgering for you to drink. If need be, say you have an important presentation and ‘you wouldn’t want me to mess it up would you’.
Be honest
Excuses will work in the short term, but if you’re planning on not drinking for a long while and you’re with friends who you will meet repeatedly, you may want to be honest about your decision. If you are comfortable explain that you are taking a break from it and that you find life easier to cope with and more fun without it. Who knows you may get a few more people joining you!
I’m trying to lose weight and avoiding calories
We all know that alcohol is loaded with calories, it is perfectly sensible to avoid alcohol if you trying to lose weight. Coupled with a slimline tonic, diet soda, sparkling water or herbal tea this explanation will spark a conversation about diet and fitness, you drinking or not will soon be forgotten.
Make a joke of it
This might be a more freestyle option, but works really well. ‘I had a skinfull last night’, ‘I’m still hungover from the last night out’, ‘I’ve got a photoshoot in the morning, gotta look fabulous’, ‘someone’s got to remember all the silly things in the morning’.
I don’t drink for religious reasons
Never fails, but not for the faint hearted if not strictly true, most people would never challenge this explanation, but with friends or repeat acquaintances you may need to brush up on your chosen scriptures!
Training for a marathon / charity run / swim
A healthy lifestyle is popular and can be attractive to others. This explanation will be well received not only as a great reason you aren’t drinking but also a good conversation starter about your healthy activity. Plan ahead with this one as to what you are doing should you be asked!
Own it
This may be easier said than done, but often just saying no is enough. You may risk overthinking it, most people probably don’t care about your drinking habits. Excuses work in the short term but the longer you life the alcohol free lifestyle, the more comfortable you will become in just politely saying no. You are not obliged to explain anything, be confident in your choices and people we accept you on your terms.
I have more fun sober
This one is truthful. Most celebrations, weddings, birthdays, parties, holidays will at some point feature alcohol, and drinkers enjoy those events in spite of the alcohol not because of it. We naturally enjoy socialising, and with a clear head and sharp senses you only enjoy it more, guilt free and regret free. You will be living life to the full and everyone around you will see it too.
Just say no, you can do it!
Drinking or not is a personal choice, you shouldn’t fee pressured into doing anything you don’t want to. Its up to you how open you want to be about your sober lifestyle. Saying no to alcohol gets easier the more you do it and you will experience that most people are not nearly as interesting in your choice as they think you will be.
Living without alcohol is becoming increasingly the norm, most people are now happy to accept that choice without explanation, if anything with a little envy. The reaction you will get often says more about that person than you!
A few handy excuses prepped and ready can be helpful in some circumstances, however, be comfortable in your choices, an alcohol free lifestyle will lead to a full, fun and healthy life and there’s no excuses needed for that!
And some of them will shock you!
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