Are you someone who cannot or does not like to drink alcohol? Have you ever found yourself in a social setting and felt pressured or uncomfortable because you could not or did not drink? Read on and discover some great methods to socializing and enjoying yourself without alcohol (or other substances).
In this article I want to share some tips with you that will help you to feel more comfortable in social situations without having to drink alcohol. I know people in 12-Step programs who cannot drink and who have learned or re-learned how to fit in and socialize now that they are clean and sober. Some of these people will proudly announce this fact and they can enjoy themselves with a non-alcohol drink.
Some of my friends are allergic to certain foods and these medications do not mix well with alcohol so they rarely drink. Other people do not drink due to religious beliefs or simply because they do not like the feeling from alcohol. Drinking alcohol (or taking substances) is just one part of socializing and you do not need to take part in anything you do not like or feel uncomfortable about. However, if you feel awkward because everyone is drinking and you are having a soda, then that can create awkwardness or tension.
These tips come from my profession as a Hypnotist with a counseling background helping many people quit smoking, reduce or quit drinking and control the portions and types of food they eat. Also, I am a lifestyle advisor and date coach so I spend quite a lot of time interacting and socializing. When I am being paid to advise someone or coach them in s social situation I usually do not drink alcohol. It depends on the client, the situation and other factors, however I feel totally comfortable without booze. People do not ask me why I am not drinking because it never occurs to them and I do not make a big deal out of it. When people want to buy me drinks (which happens a LOT) I ask the bar tender for a ginger-ale with a lime or lemon so it seems like an alcohol drink. Other times I will order a cola with a lemon or lime. Most Bartenders are fine with this and the appreciate tips. It is about fun, not just drinking.
Habit substitution is another powerful method you can use. We teach people to replace their unwanted habit with something positive that actually helps them feel better and more confident. Focus on your breathing and calm yourself.
Now that you have a few tips and tactics to use immediately, we can focus on you feeling more comfortable and confident in social settings. If you do not like bars or clubs yet have to be there for some reason then you can imagine you are in a cafe during the day or someplace you feel more comfortable. Another powerful hypnotic Jedi mind trick is to smile while looking and listening to those around you. Just like they used to teach speakers to imagine the audience in their underwear, you can do this too. Also, realize that it is possible that you are having more fun than most of them. Smile, imagine yourself someplace comfortable and amuse yourself while interacting with others. If you were to really look deeper and listen carefully, you may begin to realize these people are not enjoying themselves all that much. See their masks slip a bit and notice the chink in their armor of expensive, designer label clothing and fancy hair and send THAT real person underneath, a feeling of acceptance. Just do your best and feel more of a sense of self-respect and self-acceptance and then let everyone else feel this, too. You could even take on the role to help others to feel more comfortable so you will forget how awkward you used to feel because it will be replaced with you feeling social and enjoying yourself.
