What is the best way for a young man or young lady to tell their friends they do not want to drink?

Answer 1

Just say so. You can even go along with them while they drink and be the DD. A real friend won't care whether you drink or not.

Answer 2

you could always say that drinking does not make you feel well, you don't like the way it tastes, drinking is not for you, you have to drive, you are allergic to alcohol or just nothing at all - there is no need to come up with any excuse for making a personal choice about whether or not to drink alcohol. - whatever - as long as they say it that is what is important. too many young people feel pressure to drink by society and their friends and really the pressure should be reversed if anything - not to drink - that you don't have to drink or use substances to be comfortable, open and outgoing or "cool". it is totally respectable NOT to drink or use drugs and that should be easy to say - no drinking is not for me - thanks anyway. don't need a reason really - it should just be like saying no thanks i don't like sprite or I don't want a coffee. there should be no difference and there should be no pressure when it is a choice. and the right choice...

Answer 3

I used to drink, I don't anymore, so now I say to my friends when they offer me a drink, "No thanks". I know peer pressure can be tough on teens and young adults, I was there, but there are a lot of excuses that can be used other than just saying no thanks they can say "I'm going to be the designated driver you guys go ahead and have fun and don't worry about me I can have fun without it" or "I can't, I'm allergic to it, it made me really really sick one time and the dr. said I can't drink because I'm allergic to it" or "I just don't like the taste of it". Whatever excuse he or she can come up with that they feel their friends will "buy".

Answer 4

Don't beat around the bush, otherwise you'll sound wishy-washy and won't be as respected. Just be honest and come out and say it. There's certainly nothing to be ashamed of, so say it with conviction, not shame. At least that's what I'd do, if I were a "young person". :)

Answer 5

Simply say sure I will drink with you
but i will prepare my own
then do what you like
simply get an non alcoholic drink going
and say well I prefer this because i like keeping it healthy
and you will still be apart of your friend
and maybe even influence them.
because someone has to be a leader
Let them know exactly what you are
and lets see who follows who

Answer 6

I think most people won't care if you drink or not. I think it affects you more than any one else. Just try not to focus on the drinking and more on the good time.

Answer 7

just be honest. your friends will respect you for it. you have a right to say no. or, like others have suggested, offer to be the designated driver. and if it makes you feel better, most establishments make "virgin" drinks without the alcohol.

good for you for doing what you believe in...

Answer 8

Just be up-front and say that you don't drink. If they judge you for that, they probably aren't good friends anyway. A real friend accepts you no matter what.

Answer 9

Just tell them straight up. If they are your friends then they are going to understand you and not try to peer pressure you into it. But then again there are those times when someone won't give up so I basically tell them to f*ck off...

Answer 10

"No, thanks. But, I'll have a (insert soft drink of choice)." If the friends give them a hard time, they could say "I'm not drinking - I'll be the DD. You're my friend and I want to get you home alive."