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DEAR HARRIETTE: I've recently gone sober for health reasons, and it wasn't an easy decision, especially because my social life has always involved going out for drinks, celebrating with cocktails and bonding over happy hour. When my friends and I went out last weekend, they were pressuring me to drink. I ordered a mocktail, and almost immediately, my friends started to laugh and said that it would be fine to just have one drink. This surprised me because I never thought that my friends would try to force me to do something that would actively have a negative effect on my health. It made me feel unsupported and, frankly, disrespected. At the same time, I don't want to lose my friendships or isolate myself socially just because I'm choosing not to drink. Now I'm anxious about future outings. I don't want every dinner or celebration to turn into a debate about my personal choices. How should I talk to my friends about setting boundaries without making things awkward? -- Sober
DEAR SOBER: You may want to speak to each friend individually so that you can have a whole conversation. Remind them that you have a health concern that precludes you from drinking, but it does not mean you can't hang out with them. Point out that this lifestyle change isn't easy for you, and you would appreciate their support rather than their ridicule. Know that sober living is a popular choice these days, and fancy mocktails are trending. Have fun with your drink choices rather than hiding them. Your attitude may convince others to try what you're sipping.
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DEAR SOBER: You may want to speak to each friend individually so that you can have a whole conversation. Remind them that you have a health concern that precludes you from drinking, but it does not mean you can't hang out with them. Point out that this lifestyle change isn't easy for you, and you would appreciate their support rather than their ridicule. Know that sober living is a popular choice these days, and fancy mocktails are trending. Have fun with your drink choices rather than hiding them. Your attitude may convince others to try what you're sipping.
Link