For many editors, having a meeting over drinks or sipping a cocktail at a press event is the norm. But what if you don’t drink alcohol? Sure, it may not sound like the biggest issue in the world—just get a seltzer water with lime and no one will be the wiser—but avoiding booze in these social situations can bring up a lot of assumptions and discomfort from both parties. We asked editors who choose to stay sober how they navigate all those dinners, events, and parties without breaking a sweat.
Remember: It’s not you, it’s them. If someone has an issue with the fact that you’re not drinking, it’s her problem, not yours. “Not drinking is as much of a personal choice as wearing a bold lip,” says Devon Abelman, assistant editor for Family Fun. “No one should make you feel bad by questioning it.”
Stick to your standard answer. Knowing exactly how you’ll respond to someone asking, “Why don’t you drink?” or “Seriously?” will help diffuse the situation stat. That said, your response should fit your personality and be brief. Freelance writer Corey Kindberg usually turns it into a joke by quipping, “My skin does a lot better when I don’t drink.”
Order it yourself. Showing up on time to an event or dinner usually ensures you’ll have a chance to get your own drink. Don’t worry about making sure it looks like a cocktail or some kind of alcohol—if you want water or a soda, just ask for it. “I get a water right away, so when someone asks, I can say, ‘I’m good with my water. Thanks!’” says Abelman.
Use avoidance techniques. Being uncomfortable doesn’t do you or the host any favors, so if you think an event will be awkward, you may be better off asking a colleague to cover it for you. “The PR person would appreciate someone attending who can benefit from the experience,” says Kindberg. This mentality applies to press dinner, events, trips—even your personal life. For example, Abelman generally skips out on the bar scene, unless it’s a special occasion like a friend’s birthday.
Bottom line: It’s no big deal. No matter what, you’re probably much more concerned about this than the event host is. As long as you’re having fun, assume everyone else is too. “I learned quickly that the only one noticing that I’m not drinking is myself,” says Kinderberg.
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