I am spending Christmas with my boyfriend at his mother's house, and there will be quite a few other family members there as well. Problem is, that everyone involved is a drinker, myself included, but I don't really feel comfortable tying one on in front of my (possible) future MIL - what if I do/say something stupid/inappropriate? But I have to drink something with them - it is a social thing that their family does at the holidays. Apparently, Mom likes to party. If I don't party with her, she'll notice, and be offended, but at the same time, I am going to have to be dealing with this woman for a while, and I don't want to embarass myself. Suggestions?
2007-12-21 04:49:39 · 13 answers · asked by HooliganGrrl 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
Unbelievable!
You actually don't have a clue of the misery awaiting you down the road you are traveling, do you?
2007-12-21 04:53:35 · answer #1 · answered by Bill G 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
What you choose to drink is entirely up to you, and you shouldn't let anyone pressure you into it. As long as you don't make a big deal about it, you will probably be surprised how many people won't notice or care that you're not drinking alcohol. I've been the only sober person in the room on more than one occaision, and really there's nothing to it.
If someone asks you what you want to drink:
Doing it wrong: "I know that you're all social drinkers, and I know that you like to have fun, but no offense but you drink way more than I do. Not that there's anything wrong with that it doesn't mean you're bad people, but I don't want to do anything crazy and embarass myself. I'd like a Coke."
Doing it right: "I'd like a Coke."
2007-12-21 13:58:04 · answer #2 · answered by Iowan4321 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I presume that, on previous occasions, you have been present when your boyfriend's family is around, so that's why you know that "everyone . . . is a drinker". Regardless, don't confuse responsible, social drinking with being a drunk. And just because your boyfriend's mom likes to "party" (again, you don't say to what extent), doesn't mean that you have to go along with it, but if anyone forces you to drink (especially if you are underage) or party excessively (a Xmas family gathering is not the usual place for such), then you need to leave. But, again, I think you're making a mountain out of a jingle bell.
However, you should discuss this with your parents, as you seem to be very uncomfortable about this situation, imagined or not.
2007-12-21 13:15:47 · answer #3 · answered by skaizun 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Drink but in moderation..... since you are already a drinker you know when you're about to cross that line between buzzed and **** faced... try to stay on the buzzed side of things and you should be fine... and remember to just relax everyone is drinking therefore they're probably going to be more drunk than you provided you follow the afore mentioned advice so even if you do do something embarrassing chances are that they'll be too drunk to remember..
2007-12-21 12:59:43 · answer #4 · answered by dirk d 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is no reason for anyone to be offended if you don't "party" (i.e. "drink to excess") with them. Just drink in moderation.
Have a clear drink - like gin and tonic or vodka tonic, and then make yourself at home by refilling your own glass and making merry - only when you refill your own glass, just fill it with mostly tonic or all tonic if nobody is looking. Or whatever drink you like - rum and coke, etc.
If you have to, you can accept a new drink from them, and then go to the kitchen for something - dump it out, and fill the glass with just the soda or tonic part.
Or, you can just say - "I'm good" and show the half-filled glass you still have and move on to something else.
You don't have to drink to have a good time.
2007-12-21 12:55:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Nobody should be required to consume alcohol or live under the false impression that in order to have a good time, you must drink or become intoxicated.
I rather be the one person that is sober and responsible than to be one of the fools at the party.
2007-12-21 13:09:51 · answer #6 · answered by Vera C 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
...still laughing at renegades answer...
I wish my MIL liked to "party" Anyway...drink a drink, then water, then a drink. Rotate drinks. No more then one drink per hour. Drink water along w/ it. There had better be food there too. Eat! In my eyes, if there is no food there is no party. Screw the alcohol, give me a cheeseball!
2007-12-21 13:06:13 · answer #7 · answered by Kat 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I come from a heavy drinking family and let me tell you something. Any socially awkward thing you do while wasted will be alot less offensive to these people than staying sober. They'll think you're acting upity. Just drink slow and have a glass of water after every two drinks. Besides, drunk people have lousy memories. Have fun.
2007-12-21 12:55:11 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
Well it took me nearly 10 years to understand that fun doesn't have to include alcohol. I guess if you are not an alcoholic though, you might want to have a couple drinks in order to be able to stand your future in laws. I guess it will depend on your mood that afternoon. Best of luck.
2007-12-21 12:55:25 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Make your own drinks. Go easy on the alcohol. Pretend to be drunker than you are and tell them you need to slow down.
2007-12-21 12:53:57 · answer #10 · answered by The Oracle of Omigod 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You drink like a fish and then sarcastically attack everyone who crosses your path. It's the only true way to have fun with one's inlaws.
2007-12-21 12:53:05 · answer #11 · answered by Mencken 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋