Situation: my colleagues want to go out for a drink. I don't drink alkohol for health reasons. How can I still come with them and don't look strange drinking Coke while they order expensive wine? What can I say not to be embarassed and still to show respect to the group? In Germany, drinking together is seen a sign of mutual respect, so not drinking looks pretty awkward. How can you say "no" to alkohol and "yes" to being the member of the group? The problem is that saying about health or personal reasons for not drinking is seen as a weakness or egoism.
2006-10-02 00:48:31 · 32 answers · asked by Cobaldi 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
i cant drink alkohol ecause i drive my car
2006-10-02 00:50:23 · answer #1 · answered by Dirtyguy (L.P.) 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Apologize politely, and say "I can not enjoy a drink with you tonight, beacuse although I am getting better I have
2006-10-02 09:32:28 · answer #2 · answered by essexsrose 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Two answers completely different:
1. Say you are an alcoholic and you are on the wagon. This will make it seem like while you do drink, you have a problem with it and are trying to better yourself.
2. Order a beer (in a bottle) go to the restroom and pour it out and refill the bottle with water. Sip on it as long as you can and then do the same with another one. They will think you are drinking but you are not. Saves your ego and still you do not drink. Or find other friends who like you do not drink.
2006-10-02 01:00:42 · answer #3 · answered by nesmith52 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just check out the menu of tropical fruit drink concoctions. The kind that come with a paper umbrella. Order one without the rum. They will gladly make it that way for you. Onlooker will be none the wiser! You may start a trend! Actually, the one showing the weakness is the one pointing the finger at you! They should be more appreciative of your companionship than what's in your glass!
2006-10-02 01:09:47 · answer #4 · answered by quizkid 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You shouldn't be embarrassed about not drinking alcohol. I don't drink but I still go to bars with my friends. The Germany thing is tough but if you're not drinking because of health reasons then they should respect that. Is it really the drinking of alcohol that is seen as a sign of mutual respect? I don't really see why it should make such a big difference whether you drink alcohol with them or something non-alcoholic as long as you're out drinking something with them.
2006-10-02 00:54:58 · answer #5 · answered by Sindri 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many people, especially those who are heavy drinkers, are very uncomfortable around people who do not drink. It is their problem and not yours. They will not necessarily see you as egotistic so much as they will see themselves as weak or inferior.
There is no reason for you to feel embarrassed.
They ought to accept a simple "I cannot drink for health reasons". You are under no obligation to give them any details.
The metabolism of some people makes it impossible for them to consume alcohol safely. Some people take medications which interact adversely with alcohol.
Other people develop an irregular heartbeat after consuming very small amounts of alcohol. You could tell them that you have this problem, and that you wish to remain alve. It may be a lie, but it will make your friends feel better about themselves.
2006-10-02 01:13:19 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just be honest with them. If they are good people, they will be okay with it. They may give you a hard time (if they have a sense of humor), but just laugh it off. There is nothing wrong with not drinking alcohol. Its a healthier choice for you. You don't have to chug a beer to enjoy your colleagues. Plus you can be the designated driver just in case, someone enjoy the bar a little too much!
2006-10-02 01:02:12 · answer #7 · answered by Annieo 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tell them you don't drink alchohol for health reasons, but enjoy their company. Their reaction will be a sure sign of their intelligence and worthiness of YOUR company. Maturity will also have something to do with their treatment of you in this situation. You should not feel that it would be a sign of weakness. A real sign of weakness if bowing to pressure when you know what is best for you.
2006-10-02 02:39:48 · answer #8 · answered by novamanassas 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
be truthful...thats always best and if your colleagues can't understand that you either can't drink or don't want to then thats their problem. as for them viewing your non-drinking as a weakness or egoism thats just showing a lack of respect on their part and if the only way they can respect you is if you have a pint in your hand what does that say about them !
2006-10-02 00:51:28 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Simply tell all your colleagues the truth that you don't drink any alcohol , and tell them the reason. They will have to accept the fact. If they don't, then they are not real good colleagues or friends. Be proud of yourself that you don't drink alcohol.This is your body and your health. Good luck.
2006-10-02 01:05:21 · answer #10 · answered by crane1951@sbcglobal.net 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd order some apple juice with seltzer,sparkling water, or some apple cider. Then I'd tell them that I'm taking a supplement or medicine that require me not to consume alcohol. Maybe for an illness like asthma for example. It's a shame you can't just tell them "no" I prefer not. It's really about what's more important your health and you or the opinions of others.
2006-10-02 01:04:26 · answer #11 · answered by R W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋