Help us break the bravado

Once I stopped drinking, my eyes were opened to a new world. The social pressure to drink alcohol in the city became almost visible.

Imagine the scenario: Three guys at lunch and none of them want to drink alcohol. One has a personal training session booked, the other left his car at the station, and the last drinker is totally over the hangovers.

As they enter the restaurant they are apprehensive about how lunch will go. The dream scenario for them all is that it will be alcohol free. Yet the social pressure weighs heavy.Like a nuclear strike they wait – fingers poised on the red button. No one wants this, they know the damage it will do, but they must react to protect their status.

 

Waiter –

‘What would you like to drink?’

Drinker #1:

They are going to think I am such a wuss if I order water, but I would love to exercise tonight. Why oh why do I have to be the first to order. I bet they’re dying for a drink though. Oh sod it –

‘I’ll have a beer, please.’

Drinker #2:

Nightmare, exactly what I didn’t want. If he is having one, then I can’t wimp out –

‘I’ll have one as well.’

Drinker #3:

I can’t be the only one on the water –

‘Perfect. That suits me, I’ll have pint.’

Why are we so weak? We all like to think we are tough guys, but crumble like this all the time.

 

Let’s play this scenario again:

 

Waiter –

‘What would you like to drink?’

Drinker #1: 

I am not going to miss my PT session. I don’t care what the others think. It takes a real man to say no!

‘I’m fine with water, please.’

Drinker #2:  

Phew, disaster avoided!

‘I’ll have one as well.’

Drinker #3: 

What a result!

‘Perfect. That suits me, I’ll have water.’

 

Of course this is not always the case, but on so many occasions it is. Why not order a non-alcoholic drink and find out for yourself? Let’s break this bravado – it’s not big and it’s not clever. It takes a real man or woman to say no. Don’t be a sheep, be a leader.

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