r/stopdrinking • u/New_Biscotti2669 • 1d ago
I recently watched someone tell someone so confidently "i don't drink" and changed the topic, and it was really inspiring. I have seen so many posts on this board about "how do i tell people i don't drink" and i too sometimes fumble over words when ppl ask me why i am not drinking and I say
something like "i am taking a break" etc. When in reality, I know I am not taking a break (or i shouldn't be).
Watching this woman just shut down any conversation about drinking with a very confident "I don't drink" with no hesitation, was just so beautiful and empowering, I am going to move forward with this technique.
Truly, you don't owe anyone any explanation, in all honesty its sort of rude to ask someone why they are not drinking. Its actually such a personal question- maybe you are pregnant, an alcoholic, have a family member who is an alcoholic, are taking a certain medication, etc. A million reasons why someone could not drink that make the question insensitive.
208
Upvotes
13
u/Puzzleheaded-Bid713 18 days 1d ago
The vast majority of people don't care at all and will accept your answer and move on. Those that don't, likely have or had problems with alcohol and are curious.
A simple "no thank you" ends the convo most of the time, and if I get pushed, I'll say "had to give it up, it was dragging me down." This has allowed me to connect with a few sober friends and even help a lost soul or 2..