Don't drink but when socialising, get asked Why. Can't tell full truth but don't want to be rude/dishonest.?!
Question: Don't drink but when socialising, get asked Why. Can't tell full truth but don't want to be rude/dishonest..?
I have bipolar disorder and don't drink alcohol solely due to this. I have found that it's much easier to manage my mood this way, plus it can have a severe reaction with the medication.
So I've found it much simpler and safer to just drink soft drinks. However it always seems to arise when meeting new people that I'm asked "You don't drink.?" when they see my soft drink. I usually just reply "Yeah, I don't drink". But there is always a portion who go on to ask "WHY don't you drink.?".
Now I really don't like this question. I consider my bipolar very private and only tell my family and closest friends about it.
In the earlier years, I used to tell people elaborate cover stories like that I was talking strong medication for my acne or that I had a sleep disorder (which was a half-truth as I did take sleeping tablets periodically) and alcohol interfered with these.
Now these cover stories didn't really help matters too much in hindsight because the result would be that I'd be quizzed about my sleep problem because they found this very peculiar and that I should stay away from those tablets as they're addictive .... blah blah blah. Some people would suggest to stop taking the tablets for one night and have a booze up! When I said this wasn't a good idea, they would want to know what would happen. And this is a conversation with a person who I barely even know!
Then I finally figured out that people aren't really interested in the exact reason for not drinking per se, but in how it results in an absolute 'ban' on drinking as they see this as unusual.
So for a good few years now, I just say when pressed that I don't drink for medical reasons. If asked further, I respond by saying that I don't want to go into it, it's private, etc.
Now I must emphasise that I thankfully get asked 'Why' less these days than I did in my college days. But it still crops up. It can be particularly awkward though when you're on a first date with someone. Sometimes they ask the question and when I answer "medical reasons", there's a moment of confusion where I can see they're trying to fathom out what I mean by that but they seem to understand they shouldn't ask anything more.
So essentially I wish that people didn't ask me the question. It makes me feel uncomfortable. People don't ask strangers why they have a chronic limp, for example - it's none of their business. I'd like to be able to give a simple response that's not dishonest or rude but which which stands up if I meet the person again in the future.Health Question & Answer
So I've found it much simpler and safer to just drink soft drinks. However it always seems to arise when meeting new people that I'm asked "You don't drink.?" when they see my soft drink. I usually just reply "Yeah, I don't drink". But there is always a portion who go on to ask "WHY don't you drink.?".
Now I really don't like this question. I consider my bipolar very private and only tell my family and closest friends about it.
In the earlier years, I used to tell people elaborate cover stories like that I was talking strong medication for my acne or that I had a sleep disorder (which was a half-truth as I did take sleeping tablets periodically) and alcohol interfered with these.
Now these cover stories didn't really help matters too much in hindsight because the result would be that I'd be quizzed about my sleep problem because they found this very peculiar and that I should stay away from those tablets as they're addictive .... blah blah blah. Some people would suggest to stop taking the tablets for one night and have a booze up! When I said this wasn't a good idea, they would want to know what would happen. And this is a conversation with a person who I barely even know!
Then I finally figured out that people aren't really interested in the exact reason for not drinking per se, but in how it results in an absolute 'ban' on drinking as they see this as unusual.
So for a good few years now, I just say when pressed that I don't drink for medical reasons. If asked further, I respond by saying that I don't want to go into it, it's private, etc.
Now I must emphasise that I thankfully get asked 'Why' less these days than I did in my college days. But it still crops up. It can be particularly awkward though when you're on a first date with someone. Sometimes they ask the question and when I answer "medical reasons", there's a moment of confusion where I can see they're trying to fathom out what I mean by that but they seem to understand they shouldn't ask anything more.
So essentially I wish that people didn't ask me the question. It makes me feel uncomfortable. People don't ask strangers why they have a chronic limp, for example - it's none of their business. I'd like to be able to give a simple response that's not dishonest or rude but which which stands up if I meet the person again in the future.Health Question & Answer
Answers:
Tell them you are allergic to alcohol, simple. You seem to be making a thing about it by making an excuse which elicits a response in which you land up digging a big hole. No one queries an allergy.Health Question & Answer
Tell them you don't like it and leave it at that. They'll think you mean you don't like the way it tastes.Health Question & Answer
I would stop saying medical reasons. Definitly stop saying that
just say "I don't like it", if they say why to that too say "Because i dont" (and laugh)Health Question & Answer
just say "I don't like it", if they say why to that too say "Because i dont" (and laugh)Health Question & Answer
you should say you have to get up early the next day to play sports...i remember at partys the majority of people who were on a team and had to get up for a match the next day never drank.......or just say "im on an antibiotic" and leave it a that.....ive heard both these answers alot.Health Question & Answer
People who drink will not accept a simple answer, so even bi-polar isn't enough. Try something inventive:
- I'm allergic to alcohol
- I was out last night and I couldn't face another
- I don't enjoy sex as much when I'm drunk (that'll get them going!)
and so on.
I'm sure you can find something better than these :-)Health Question & Answer
- I'm allergic to alcohol
- I was out last night and I couldn't face another
- I don't enjoy sex as much when I'm drunk (that'll get them going!)
and so on.
I'm sure you can find something better than these :-)Health Question & Answer
You could just say that it interacts with medication that you are on long-term. I think people would be less likely ask further if you said that rather than just saying 'medical reasons', which sounds a bit mysterious as it could mean any number of things and it also sounds obviously like you're trying to hide the specifics.
Or just that you don't drink because you don't enjoy it or feel you need it to have a good time.Health Question & Answer
Or just that you don't drink because you don't enjoy it or feel you need it to have a good time.Health Question & Answer
Options:
Carry a hip flask, with chamomile, or another herbal tea, and say that you prefer it because it helps relax you, without the bad after effects.
Drink Claytons & soda, with ice., or a non alcoholic wine (sparkling grape juice).Health Question & Answer
Carry a hip flask, with chamomile, or another herbal tea, and say that you prefer it because it helps relax you, without the bad after effects.
Drink Claytons & soda, with ice., or a non alcoholic wine (sparkling grape juice).Health Question & Answer
I think that the alcohol isnt the problem here, its the way people interact with you that bothers you.
But in response to your question, next time someone questions you, simply say, "You choose to drink, I choose not too, i wasn't aware it was compulsory." Smile at them, offer to buy them a drink anyway, and hold you head up high and be confident in your choice.
Being tee total and having bipolar are nothing to be ashamed of, they are a part of who you are, and if people cant accept that, or accept you for that matter, then why do you want to socialise with those sorts of people.? Those people don't sound like friends to me.
I wish you well.Health Question & Answer
But in response to your question, next time someone questions you, simply say, "You choose to drink, I choose not too, i wasn't aware it was compulsory." Smile at them, offer to buy them a drink anyway, and hold you head up high and be confident in your choice.
Being tee total and having bipolar are nothing to be ashamed of, they are a part of who you are, and if people cant accept that, or accept you for that matter, then why do you want to socialise with those sorts of people.? Those people don't sound like friends to me.
I wish you well.Health Question & Answer
You could say simply "it's not my thing" or "my body doesn't react to alcohol well!" or "I can't stand the taste". I know my girlfriend doesn't drink alcohol but that's because she's allergic to it, you could use that excuse and not really be lying since your body doesn't react "normally" to it due to your situation. Funny thing is I used to never drink either and when people asked me I just told them that I chose not to since I have more fun not drinking. Different people take it differently but who cares, it's your choice.Health Question & Answer
I get this.
And yes its annoying but you cant really blame them for curiosity. In our culture "everyone drinks" So if you dont it cant be just because you dont like it their has to be a "reason".
Especially when it comes to first dates, I'd ask.
You could be a recovered alcoholic and others want to know what their getting into. I date a recovered alcoholic now... and before he recovered.
A likely reason why they keep asking further is because you come off sounding defensive. It makes them wonder if you have some big interesting secret your hiding.
I dont really think their is an answer that wouldn't beg for more that is truthful. You could say
I don't drink...why... "Im moody when I drink"
thats truthful.
you could say "I just dont care for the taste." Which is not truthful but if your not going to date the individual they don't really need to know.
If youve ever had a family member or friend whos an alcoholic thats a good reason. "for me I could say. "my father was an alcoholic so I just stay away from the stuff" but thats divulging information too.
I have to wonder why you hide your bipolar. Its nothing to be ashamed of. Im bipolar and its fine with me.
But in our culture youll almost always have to explain not drinking.Health Question & Answer
And yes its annoying but you cant really blame them for curiosity. In our culture "everyone drinks" So if you dont it cant be just because you dont like it their has to be a "reason".
Especially when it comes to first dates, I'd ask.
You could be a recovered alcoholic and others want to know what their getting into. I date a recovered alcoholic now... and before he recovered.
A likely reason why they keep asking further is because you come off sounding defensive. It makes them wonder if you have some big interesting secret your hiding.
I dont really think their is an answer that wouldn't beg for more that is truthful. You could say
I don't drink...why... "Im moody when I drink"
thats truthful.
you could say "I just dont care for the taste." Which is not truthful but if your not going to date the individual they don't really need to know.
If youve ever had a family member or friend whos an alcoholic thats a good reason. "for me I could say. "my father was an alcoholic so I just stay away from the stuff" but thats divulging information too.
I have to wonder why you hide your bipolar. Its nothing to be ashamed of. Im bipolar and its fine with me.
But in our culture youll almost always have to explain not drinking.Health Question & Answer
Can always just say you dont and dont like how you feel the next day, and even one drink makes you feel aweful the next day. And that IS the honest truth...just not including the med interaction. I know even when my meds have me completely stable, drinking alcohol i feel fine while drinking, and for the next 4 or 5 days i get spun out on a nasty cycle. (and im not supposed to drink on my meds either, but will a few times a year)Health Question & Answer
There are a few answers to give to this question, here are some I have just thought of to help you:
1: I turn into a gremlin if I consume alchol after midnight. It can get a bit messy.....
2: I'm driving, its not a lie, you never said when/where/what u were driving, its just there assumption you are driving a car that night!!
3: I don't feel the need to.
4: Q: why don't you drink.?
A: Why do YOU drink.? Most people will consider the question and either change the subject or give you a reason and you can reply, I don't feel I need to.
Simple, straight to the point with no lies, hope this helps. I don't drink either, no reason really, don't see the point, hate feeling sick, and don't feel the need to get so smashed I make a total **** of myself!!!
Take care, love VHealth Question & Answer
1: I turn into a gremlin if I consume alchol after midnight. It can get a bit messy.....
2: I'm driving, its not a lie, you never said when/where/what u were driving, its just there assumption you are driving a car that night!!
3: I don't feel the need to.
4: Q: why don't you drink.?
A: Why do YOU drink.? Most people will consider the question and either change the subject or give you a reason and you can reply, I don't feel I need to.
Simple, straight to the point with no lies, hope this helps. I don't drink either, no reason really, don't see the point, hate feeling sick, and don't feel the need to get so smashed I make a total **** of myself!!!
Take care, love VHealth Question & Answer
I don't drink and i am not bipolar or taking any meds so you don't have to say it is anything to do with that.
If they ask you why just say you never really liked it or you want a healthy liver! Or you get really bad hangovers or that you don't see the point in wasting all that money on something that will make you feel like rubbish the next morning!! Or you could just say you are the person driving so you can't drink.
As you can see i have lots of excuses as i always get asked this question.Health Question & Answer
If they ask you why just say you never really liked it or you want a healthy liver! Or you get really bad hangovers or that you don't see the point in wasting all that money on something that will make you feel like rubbish the next morning!! Or you could just say you are the person driving so you can't drink.
As you can see i have lots of excuses as i always get asked this question.Health Question & Answer