Dear Sally McSober,
I too know the struggle of going to the bar sober, and being surrounded by a parade of all of your ridiculous, hammered friends. They have been taking shots all night while not a sip of alcohol has touched your lips. You are constantly bombarded by a series of questions about where your drink is. Won’t you just do one shot? Why aren’t you drinking?
Whatever your reasons, you are not alone. Whether you are choosing to remain sober for religious reasons, health reasons or personal reasons, the choice is yours and yours alone. There is no need to judge anyone who chooses to drink, but don’t let anyone persuade you to make choices that go against your own values.
There are several ways you can go to the bar without drinking. Volunteering to be the designated driver is always a great option, and your friends will always appreciate it. If your friends really care about your wellbeing they will respect the fact that you choose to stay sober. It can be very lonely when you make the decision not to drink. Seeing everyone out of their minds while you aren’t can feel very isolating. Don’t give up though. It might not feel like it while you are in University, but there are other people out there, like me, who know that feeling all too well. I want you to know, you are not alone in making this decision for yourself, even though it may feel like it at times.
Regardless of what anyone says, you can still have so much fun sober. Going to the bar sober gives you the opportunity to socialize and have fun without the harmful consequences of drinking. You never have to worry about whether or not you will get home safe, and you never wake up with a pounding headache, staring at your ceiling while wondering what you did last night.
Choosing not to drink has also been useful towards building my confidence. Dancing up a storm, and singing karaoke songs at the top of my lungs without an ounce of liquor in my system, has been one of the best University memories I’ll actually be able to hold onto. Staying sober is also a great way to network without being a complete goof.
I can honestly say staying sober is one of the greatest things I have ever done for my mental health and if you choose to do the same please remember there is no shame in it.
Happy clubbing!
Sincerely,
You aren’t the only one.