How can you resist an alcohol-free terrace?
It's the return of summer and the return of time spent on the terrace with friends!
It is a moment of relaxation that can very quickly turn into a nightmare for anyone trying to reduce or stop their alcohol consumption.
How can you navigate the social expectations and curiosity about your new drinking habits? How do you stay true to your goals without feeling overwhelmed?
Don't panic, the Sobero crew has decided to help you with this challenging mission! So fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy ride!
Alcohol-related social pressure
To know how to combat alcohol-related social pressure, you need to know what it is.
Alcohol-related social pressure encompasses all the voluntary and involuntary external behaviors that lead you to consume alcohol, sometimes even unwittingly.
This can lead to a desire to fit in by drinking rather than a genuine craving.
So, it's important to know how to distinguish between your real cravings and those dictated to you by your loved ones, advertising, society, or even ideologies.
Nothing and no one should encourage you to drink! Only you know what's good for you. So if you don't want to drink, don't force yourself.
10 things to say when asked why you don't drink
I take care of my body and mind. 🫧
You've found me out, I'm pregnant! 😂
With me, you don't need alcohol to be so funny, it's a natural talent! 👑
It's better to concentrate on you. 💙
Because it's so much more fun to remember the whole evening! 🧠
You'll be so happy when it's time to take you home afterward! 🚗
You're my booze, you don't need that to make my head spin. 😘
I've got everything I need to enjoy the moment, I don't need anything more! ☀️
Because alcohol doesn't taste good, admit it! 🥃
I don't want to ruin myself, I'm going on holiday/weekend soon. 🏝️
5 tips for surviving terraces without drinking
First of all, go prepared. Be aware that there's a good chance you'll be offered alcohol in such places. So if the temptation is too great, don't hesitate to suggest a less stimulating place to your friends, such as a park or your own home, so that you can better control your environment.
Secondly, prepare what you will say if you're asked about it or if people are insistent. To do this, you can jot down one of the 10 phrases suggested above and use it again when the time comes. You can also decide in advance what you want to say and what you don't want to say about your experience with alcohol and your drinking choices.
Laying the foundations is also essential! If you don't drink, be clear from the outset. Your friends will be able to understand this and avoid asking you the same question every time the waiter comes back, thus increasing your risk of cracking.
But above all, please yourself! Not drinking alcohol on the terrace doesn't mean not drinking at all. The bar has plenty of delicious mocktails, juices, syrups, and even alcohol-free beers. So drink what you like!
Finally, relax. It's all about conviviality! Don't get fixated on not consuming alcohol.
Good luck!
