Thinking of exploring the holidays without alcohol?
Here are some favorite tricks.
*** Expect great things! Most people wonder if you will miss drinking so much. They have no idea that you will wake up in the morning clear headed, remember conversations, sleep better, and know that the loud laughter that came from you had nothing to do with the drinking. Watch yourself enjoy!
***Can you arrange a "wing man?" In the early days, I asked my husband to help me watch my glass to keep it full with my prefered NA drink. It was really helpful.
***Go prepared with your favorite NA beverages. (how about a fancy glass with a lemon or some berries?) Once you have a drink in your hand, no one will even care what's in the glass. If you're in a bar, you can ask the bartender about NA beers, mocktails, or if they'll serve you a tonic a lime looking like something fancy.
***If this is a new adventure for you, practice what you will say if someone asks: "you're not drinking?"
It can be anything: designated driver, taking antibiotics, taking a break, health kick. Or just "not tonight". You really don't owe ANYONE an explanation.
*** Have an exit plan! My mother always said: "leave a party when you're still having fun".
Are you finding other tricks?
Let me know.
Who knew that the holidays can be better than ever right?
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