It’s important to know that our adult friends can make their own decisions and that we don’t need to coddle them just because they have a different lifestyle. But it’s also true that if you stop drinking, sometimes you might wonder if you can sustain the friends who very much have not. After all, anyone who is stone-cold sober knows what it can be like to hang with those who may be more than tipsy. However, if you’re hosting a home party or having a celebration, it’s nice to make a friend such as this feel comfortable and wanted no matter what they eat or drink at the event.
Now, if they’ve had a problem with such substances in the past, it’s good to keep an eye on them, to scold anyone who tempts them, and to make sure they’re not in a situation where they feel they have to undo their progress. But you can also make them feel more confident if you’re mindful about it, and make some preparations to welcome them in.
In this post, we’ll discuss how you might achieve that.
Have Alternatives On Standby
It’s fair that few people want to sip water all night while everyone else enjoys interesting flavors. A few cans of quality craft sodas or a homemade fruit punch shows you’ve considered them specifically. Having one or two simple mocktail recipes that look just as fancy as the alcoholic versions can also be nice, just have a separate preparation station so as not to accidentally give them the wrong thing. Have all the additions such as ice, fresh fruit, and pretty glasses as well. Coffee and tea options later in the evening help too, giving people something warm to hold as the party relaxes down. This way you show it’s really no bother to add a couple of adjustments, and they’ll thank you for it.
Make It Clear To Others
You may be fine, but sometimes friend groups can be weird about drinking changes. A quiet word with other guests before your non-drinking friend arrives can let them know that actually, it’s not cool to repeatedly badger them to drink. It’s pretty simple, just say something like “Hey, Alex isn’t drinking these days, so let’s not make a big deal about it” which gives the exact assertion that might be needed. This stops the inevitable offers and questions that can make someone feel like the odd one out. After all, no one owes anyone an explanation for them not drinking, which unfortunately is a strange little quirk in our culture which not everyone gets the message from. Maybe they just don’t like the taste anymore, prefer the best delta 8 carts, or just want to lose weight. That’s all fine.
Allow Them Their Comforts
Sometimes non-drinkers need an escape route when the energy shifts late at night and everyone’s a little more over the top than they otherwise think. Let them know it’s perfectly fine to head out whenever they want. Many people stop drinking because they dislike how gatherings change as more alcohol flows and the people they tend to become (don’t worry, we’ve all been there). You might offer a quiet room to retreat to if needed wit home memory foam earplugs if they’re staying over with you. Respect their judgment about when to leave without making them feel bad about it, just wish them well and give them a hug and a thanks for coming. The party will still go on, and they’ll remember you as someone who didn’t pressure them to stay past their comfort level.
With this advice, you’re sure to make a friend who doesn’t drink feel more comfortable at a gathering.
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