It's a familiar scene: you're out with your friends at a bar or a party, and everyone is ordering their usual full-strength drinks. But you're trying to make healthier choices, so you opt for a low-ABV drink like TRINITY25 from Spirit of Bermondsey. Suddenly, you're faced with a barrage of teasing or even outright criticism from your friends. "Come on, just have one drink!" "Are you pregnant?" "Don't be a party pooper!"
It can be tough to stand your ground in situations like these, especially when you're surrounded by peer pressure. But the good news is that it is possible to assert yourself and make your own choices, even when it comes to your drink of choice. Here are five tips for standing your ground on low-ABV drinks with your friends:
-
Know your reasons. Before you even step foot in that bar or party, make sure you have a clear understanding of why you're choosing a low-ABV drink. Are you trying to lose weight? Improve your sleep? Reduce your risk of health problems? Whatever your reason, make sure you're clear on it and feel confident in your decision. This will make it easier for you to explain your choice to your friends and stand your ground.
-
Practice your response. It can be helpful to have a few responses ready in your back pocket for when your friends start teasing you about your drink choice. Something like, "I'm just trying to make healthier choices for my body" or "I don't want to overdo it and regret it in the morning" can be a simple and effective way to explain your decision without getting into a long, drawn-out conversation.
-
Don't apologize. It's important to remember that you don't owe anyone an explanation for your drink choice. If you're happy with your decision and comfortable with it, there's no need to apologize or feel like you're doing something wrong. Simply stating your preference and moving on can be the most effective way to handle the situation.
-
Suggest alternative activities. If your friends are really trying to push you to drink more than you're comfortable with, one option is to suggest alternative activities. Maybe you could propose a game of pool instead of another round of drinks, or suggest going for a walk or trying out a new restaurant. This can help shift the focus away from alcohol and give you an opportunity to have fun in other ways.
-
Know when to walk away. If your friends just won't respect your decision and continue to pressure you, it may be time to consider whether it's worth staying in that situation. It's always okay to remove yourself from a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable or pressured. Don't feel like you have to stay in a situation just because you don't want to be seen as "difficult" or "uptight." Your health and well-being are more important than anyone else's opinion.
Remember, it's your body and your choice. Don't let your friends or anyone else pressure you into doing something that doesn't feel right for you. By following these tips and standing your ground, you can confidently make your own decisions and enjoy a low-ABV drink with your friends, without any guilt or regret.
