Strategies for Socializing Sober (E25)
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Gill discusses staying sober during the holidays. She's 13 months sober, so last year was her first holiday season not drinking. On Christmas day, she was about 6 weeks sober. She walks you through her first sober holiday season, explaining what helped her get through, what the most difficult moments were, and her advice for those of you experiencing this for the first time. Beyond some general tips and tricks, she has a some strategies to share with you: the bartender is your champion, become a sociologist, treat it like a live grenade, and shut that nosey person down.
Key Takeaways
When I arrive at a party I go to the bar alone and told the bartender I don’t drink, could you please make me a mocktail? When he asked what I wanted I said to surprise me. The bartender is now your champion. He knows your drink, and you don’t. You never have to repeat the word mocktail or the phrase I don’t drink ever again.
There will be a point at every party where you feel that way, and my advice is to get out asap. You don’t have to say bye to anyone.
When someone asks why you aren’t drinking, the best thing we can do in this situation is just say little conversation enders like, “I don’t know” or “I just don’t want to”. You do not owe them an explanation, and you don’t have to justify the fact that you aren’t drinking.
Cite this page
Tietz, G. Episode 25: Staying Sober During the Holidays. Sober Powered. 2020
