Mar 24, 2016 | By Jake White

Two Truths and a Lie: Ways To Decline a Drink

Collegiate Recovery

Saying “no” sounds easy, but it’s really not. Just try it, right now. It actually feels bad, even harsh, when it comes out of your mouth. That’s because we interpret the word to mean rejection and that goes against our natural instinct to build relationships and feel connected to others. If you’re in recovery, then it’s extremely important for you to learn how to do difficult things… and one of them is saying “no” and being ok with it. So check out these two ways to decline a drink, and one way NOT to.

1. “No thanks, but do you mind if I grab a ______?”

This one works great if you’re talking with a really nice person. By asking THEM a question in your response, you completely flip the situation! Nine times out of ten they’ll say something like, “Yeah! No problem, help yourself!” After all, they’re offering you a drink or hit because they want you to feel involved and part of the group. It’s not a terrible thing. This response not only gets you off the hook for declining their offer, but gives them a chance to say “yes,” which makes them feels good… setting everyone up for a great night of socializing, partying or whatever you’re doing!

2. “No thanks, I’m driving tonight.”

Although people feel weird about you not drinking, most people seem to respect a sober driver. To them it seems like you’ve sacrificed your night of “fun” to look out for others. I use this one if I don’t know the person that well and they seem kind of pushy. For me, being a driver is the best excuse if you don’t want to spend the rest of the night explaining your life story and why you don’t drink.

3. “I don’t do that $H!T… I’m sober!”

By raising your voice and inserting your personal views into their facial region, they immediately respect you and want to be your friend. After all, most people like public humiliation and want to be convinced that their way of socializing is immoral or inferior. I love using this one because you get to tell people how to live their life! People like that!

I hope you have fun trying out these various ways to say “no” to a drink while still making friends and having fun! If you find out which one is the lie by testing it at a party, please share the story 😛 In the mean time, how do you say no without making other people feel bad about drinking?

Party.0n,

-Jake