Flashback Friday: How to be social without drinking

This blog post was originally published on September 24, 2015.

Feel like social life revolves around drinking?

Here are 10 alcohol-free ways to have fun in the Triangle.
(TIP: Always ask about a student discount!)

Host or attend a game night FREE
Join an intramural sports team FREE
Group outing to the theatre! FREE-$$$
Go ice skating or bowling $$
Join a student organization FREE
Check out a local farmer’s market over the weekend FREE
Attend local community events FREE-$$$
Check out student group performances (search category: performance) FREE-$
Learn a new dance/go out dancing (all types of dancing) FREE-$
Watch an outdoor movie or a CUAB movie (seasonal) FREE-$

“Movies Under the Stars” in Downtown Chapel HIll

Or, maybe you want to go to parties and just not drink!

Have you ever been out trying to have some alcohol-free fun, and people won’t stop bugging you? Here are some ideas of things to say, but they are dependent on your personality type, individual needs, or safety/comfort concerns!

“I’m not drinking tonight, but thank you!”
“I’m good for now, I just had one.”
“I’m taking it easy tonight.”
“I have to wake up early tomorrow/study, etc.”
“I’m driving home tonight.”
“I’m the designated driver tonight.”
“I’m just trying to be a bit healthier right now.”

Not a talker? No worries! There are other ways to ward off peer pressure, again – dependent on your personality type, individual needs, or safety/comfort concerns. For example, some people have suggested holding a drink in their hand and not actually drinking, drinking alcohol-free drinks (like a rum and coke….minus the rum), or attending a party as a sober attendee and playing the games either with water or an alcohol-free drink!